PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE COMPOSITE OF CHITOSAN/ HYDROXYAPATITE FOR APPLICATIONS IN BONE REGENERATION

Objectives: Chitosan is a polysaccharide that linear has been shown to have high biocompatibility and biodegradation. The hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a mineral composed of calcium phosphate has a inorganic structure and chemical composition similar to the natural bone; it is a material that can be used for designing new materials with properties for tissue regeneration. Applications of the biocomposite of HAP/chitosan are varied; one of them is to induce cell proliferation and differentiation, in addition to being used for such as composite membranes of nanofibers to eliminate the heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions.
Objectives: Determine the physico-chemical and biological properties of the composite chitosan/HAP for applications in bone tissue
Methods: The chitosan and hydroxylapatite were obtained using the method of chemical solution and lyophilization that controls the concentration of organic and inorganic phase (1:2 organic, 1:3 inorganic phases). The physical and chemical properties such as the size of the pores, polymer crosslinking and the ratio Ca/P were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biological properties such as proliferation and cell viability were assessed by cultivating on scaffolds the primary osteoblasts and assessing the cellular metabolism. We assessed the transcription of genes related to processes of mineralization by real time.
Results: It was noted that the biomaterial do not affect the viability of primary osteoblasts in vitro. After 7 days in vitro was observed an increase of the osteopontin mRNA gene involved in bone remodeling and in the adherence of the cells to the extracellular matrix. On the other hand, the chemical and physical analysis showed a porous structure and irregular topography essential for adhesion and cell proliferation.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that the composite of HAP/chitosan is a bioactive biomaterial that can be used in tissue regeneration applied to bone tissue.