Synthesis and characterization of a nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan/polyethylene glycol nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering

A novel nanocomposite involving nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan/polyethylene glycol (n-HAP/CS/PEG) has been successfully synthesized via co-precipitation approach at room temperature. The purpose to synthesize such nanocomposite is to search for an ideal analogue which may mimick the composition of natural bone for bone tissue engineering with respect to suitable biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and mechanical properties. The FTIR spectra of n-HAP/CS and n-HAP/CS/PEG scaffolds indicated significant intermolecular interaction between the various components of both the nanocomposites. The results of XRD, TEM and TGA/DTA suggested that the crystallinity and thermal stability of the n-HAP/CS/PEG scaffold have decreased and increased respectively, relative to n-HAP/CS scaffold. The comparison of SEM images of both the scaffolds indicated that the incorporation of PEG influenced the surface morphology while a better in-vitro bioactivity has been observed in n-HAP/CS/PEG than in n-HAP/CS based on SBF study, referring a greater possibility for making direct bond to living bone if implanted. Furthermore, MTT assay revealed superior non-toxic nature of n-HAP/CS/PEG to murine fibroblast L929 cells as compared to n-HAP/CS. The comparative swelling studies of n-HAP/CS/PEG and n-HAP/CS scaffolds revealed a better swelling rate for n-HAP/CS/PEG. Also n-HAP/CS/PEG showed higher mechanical strength relative to n-HAP/CS supportive of bone tissue ingrowths