A series of biocompatible chitosan/hydroxyapatite composites has been synthesized in an
aqueous medium from chitosan solution and soluble precursor salts by a one-step
coprecipitation method. The composite materials were produced in dense and porous
variants. XRD and IR studies have shown that the apatite crystals in the composites have
structural characteristics similar to those of crystals in biogenic apatite. A study of in vivo
behaviour of the materials was carried out. Cylindrical rods made of the chitosan/
hydroxyapatite composite material were implanted into the tibial bones of rats. After 5, 10, 15
and 24 days of implantation, histological and histo-morphometric analyses of decalcified
specimens were undertaken to evaluate their biocompatibility and the possibility to apply
them in bone tissue engineering. The calcified specimens were examined by scanning
electron microscopy combined with X-ray microanalysis to compare the elemental
composition and morphological characteristics of the implant and the bone during
integration. Porous specimens were osteoconducting and were replaced in vivo by newly
formed bone tissue
