Synthesis of CPC/chitosan and its endurance test in simulated body fluid

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been synthesized by solid state reaction method by using CaHPO4 and CaCO3 as reactants. The reaction was done at 1200°C for 7 hours in a local ceramic industry. The synthesized HA has Ca/P ratio of 1.7, crystallite size of 60 nm and morphology of rod-like shape. Then HA was used as a powder phase to produce calcium phosphate cement/chitosan (CPC/chitosan). A mixture of 2.5% Na2HPO4 and 1% chitosan solution was used as liquid phase. Structure and morphology of HA were slightly changed by the hardening of CPC/chitosan. Endurance test of CPC/chitosan in simulated body fluid (SBF) was performed for 36 days. CPC/chitosan was not washed out in the SBF. HA crystallinity as well as Ca/P ratio decreased by the testing time. The change of CPC/chitosan surface morphology into needle-like crystals indicated the surface growth of CPC/chitosan in SBF.