1 research outputs found
Hierarchical Microspheres Constructed from Chitin Nanofibers Penetrated Hydroxyapatite Crystals for Bone Regeneration
Chitin exists abundantly
in crab and shrimp shells as the template
of the minerals, which inspired us to mineralize it for fabricating
bone grafting materials. In the present work, chitin nanofibrous microspheres
were used as the matrix for in situ synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA)
crystals including microflakes, submicron-needles, and submicron-spheres,
which were penetrated by long chitin nanofibers, leading to the hierarchical
structure. The shape and size of the HA crystals could be controlled
by changing the HA synthesis process. The tight interface adhesion
between chitin and HA through the noncovanlent bonds occurred in the
composite microspheres, and HAs were homogeneously dispersed and bounded
to the chitin nanofibers. In our findings, the inherent biocompatibilities
of the both chitin and HA contributed the bone cell adhesion and osteoconduction.
Moreover, the chitin microsphere with submicron-needle and submicron-sphere
HA crystals remarkably promoted in vitro cell adhesion and in vivo
bone healing. It was demonstrated that rabbits with 1.5 cm radius
defect were almost cured completely within three months in a growth
factor- and cell-free state, as a result of the unique surface microstructure
and biocompatibilities of the composite microspheres. The microsphere
scaffold displayed excellent biofunctions and an appropriate biodegradability.
This work opened up a new avenue to construct natural polymer-based
organic–inorganic hybrid microspheres for bone regeneration