Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 12.10
SEM of hBMSCs on CPC-chitosan specimen: (A and B) 4 days; (C and D) 8 days. Arrows in (A) indicate
globular mineral formation and collagen bundles. At higher magnification in (B), mineral formation is
more clearly seen as individual mineral granules. The cell body in (C) is indicated by the letter C, and the
cytoplasmic extensions of the cell are indicated by E. (D) Mineralization on cell surface at 8 day, similar to
those at 4 day in (B).
Adapted from Ref.
[55]
with permission.
12.9
CONCLUSIONS
A new class of biomimetic nano-apatite scaffolds was developed using calcium phosphate cement,
biopolymer chitosan, collagen fibers, other degradable fibers, and porogens. This family of nano-
apatitic composite scaffolds showed relatively high strength and toughness, and the feasibility for
stem cell delivery and bone tissue engineering. The macroporous scaffolds were suitable for cell
infiltration, and the apatite crystals and the collagen fibers enhanced cell attachment. Resistance to
fracture and cyclic fatigue were greatly increased, rendering the new scaffolds promising for a wide
range of moderate load-bearing dental, craniofacial, and orthopedic repairs. The biomimetic scaffolds
