Structure and Biochemical Study of Nanocomposite Bioconstruction for Restoration of Bone-cartilaginous Defects

Porous and strong nanocomposite bioconstructions were formed by laser evaporation of an aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a protein matrix. The homogeneous dispersion was exposed to laser irradiation to create solid constructions. Continuous laser radiation with a wavelength of 970 nm and a power of 5-7 W was used. The porosity of nanocomposite bioconstructions was studied by the method of lowtemperature nitrogen porosimetry and X-ray microtomography, the tensile strength and relative elongation of bioconstructions were evaluated, and their biocompatibility was tested in vitro. It was found that with an increase of the carbon nanotube’s concentration, a slight decrease in strength (3-15 %), a decrease in the pore size (20- 40 %), and an increase in the degree of deformation (10-12 %) were observed. At the same time, the mechanical parameters of the bioconstructions met the requirements for the materials for the restoration of bone-cartilaginous defects. Using optical microscopy and the MTT-test, proliferative activity and structural features of bone tissue cells on the surface of nanocomposite bioconstructions were evaluated. Studies have shown no toxic or inhibitory effect on cells. The results of the studies can talk about the advantage of nanocomposite bioconstructions using as an implant material for improving the growth of biological cells and regenerating damaged biotissues. Keywords: Nanocomposites, laser radiation, mechanical properties, porosity, X-ray microtomography, biocompatibilit