Cellular compatibility of nanocomposite scaffolds based on hydroxyapatite entrapped in cellulose network for bone repair

• A series of biocompatible scaffolds were synthesized through a novel multi-step route.
• The porosity increased by increasing n-HAp amounts in the structure of the scaffold.
• The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were found close to those of trabecular bone.
• The results suggest that the scaffold extracts do not have any cell cytotoxicity.
• The scaffold can be efficient as a bioactive bone implant for tissue engineering.

In the past few decades, artificial graft materials for bone tissue engineering have gained much importance. In this study, novel porous 3D nanocomposite scaffolds composed of polyacrylamide grafted cellulose and hydroxyapatite were proposed. They were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The swelling behavior of the scaffolds was examined in both water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. The cytotoxicity of the scaffolds was determined by MTT assays on human fibroblast gum (HuGu) cells. Results showed that the nanocomposite scaffolds were highly porous with maximum porosity of 85.7% interconnected with a pore size of around 72–125 μm. The results of cell culture experiments showed that the scaffolds extracts do not have cytotoxicity in any concentration. Obtained results suggested that the introduced scaffolds are comparable with the trabecular bone from the compositional, structural, and mechanical perspectives and have a great potential as a bone substitute.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (134 K)Download as PowerPoint slide