New method for HA/glucan bone scaffold preparation reduces cytotoxic effect of highly reactive bioceramics

Highly reactive bioceramics deprive culture medium of Ca2+ ions which is lethal to the cells in vitro. The aim of this work was to demonstrate that new method for HA/glucan scaffold fabrication, involving calcium as a cross-linker for β-1,3-glucan gel, may support cell survival in vitro when highly reactive bioceramics are the component of the biomaterial. Two composites made of highly reactive hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-1,3-glucan were prepared basing on 2 different methods. Then, ion reactivity of the materials and cell behaviour on their surfaces were compared. Obtained results proved that new method for HA/β-1,3-glucan fabrication protects against Ca2+ uptake by reactive HA supporting osteoblast growth in vitro.