Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of New Nanocomposites Based on β-Type Chitosan and Nano-Hydroxyapatite as Potential Bone Substitute Materials

Abstract

In the present study, β-type chitosan [ß (1–4) N-acetyl D-glucosamine] was obtained through a modified procedure from squid pens (Loligo Vulgaris) and characterized to determine its average molecular weight and degree of N-deacetylation. Then, the β-chitosan was used for the first time, in a combination with different proportions of nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), to develop new series of nanocomposites as potential bone substitute materials that are able to overcome the poor physicochemical and mechanical properties of pure artificial hydroxyapatite. The β-chitosan/n-HA nanocomposites were prepared through in situ coprecipitation technique and characterized with the aid of FTIR, XRD, and EDS. Surface morphology of the nanocomposites was examined using SEM and TEM. The mechanical properties were also studied through measuring the compressive strength of the developed composites.