Novel synthesis of hydroxyapatite microtubes using gelatin as sacrificial templates and their potential as biocompatible cell supporting matrix

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite microtubes (HAp MTs) were synthesized through in situ deposition of HAp nanoparticles on the gelatin microfibers as novel sacrificial templates via a bio-mineralization route followed by a sintering process. The synthesized HAp MTs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). SEM images reveal that HAp MTs had uniform tubular hollow structures with a diameter of 50–200 µm. XRD patterns indicate that HAp MTs were mainly constructed by apatite phase. Cytotoxic evaluation shows that HAp MTs were not cytotoxic and well biocompatible with osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. Most importantly, each individual HAp MT supported cell attachment and proliferation, indicating a potential as biocompatible cell supporting matrix.