Effects of In Situ and Physical Mixing on Mechanical and Bioactive Behaviors of Nano Hydroxyapatite–Chitosan Scaffolds

Abstract

Nano hydroxyapatite (HAP) was employed to intensify chitosan (CS) scaffolds by two methods. The first one is nano HAP crystallized in situ from the CS matrix by a biomimetic method (in situ scaffold). In the second method the sol–gel nano HAP powder was added directly to the CS solution (physical mixing scaffold). The distribution status of nano HAP was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The compressive performance was measured by a universal material testing machine. The in vitro study in stimulated body fluid was performed to evaluate the biological properties of both scaffolds. MTT testing and alkaline phosphatase activity from human bone mesenchymal stem cell culture showed differences in biocompatibility and bioactivity between the scaffolds. The results indicated that the in situ scaffold possessed more excellent mechanical and bioactive behaviors than that of the physical mixing scaffold.