Bioactive monetite‐containing whisker‐like fibers reinforced chitosan scaffolds

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this work was to develop bioactive chitosan scaffolds reinforced with monetite‐containing whisker‐like fibers. The fibers synthesized by homogeneous precipitation were characterized as monetite/hydroxyapatite short fibers ( MAF s), using XRD , FTIR and SEM . The pure chitosan and MAF s/chitosan composite scaffolds were produced by freeze‐drying, and characterized with respect to porosity, pore size, swelling behavior, compressive strength and modulus, and in vitro bioactivity. The incorporation of MAF s in chitosan matrices led to increase the pore size, according to the evaluation by FE ‐ SEM , and decrease the porosity of composite scaffolds. The swelling ratio decreased as MAF s content of scaffolds increased. The compressive strength and modulus of scaffolds were improved by an increase in MAF s content. The noncross‐linked scaffolds with a chitosan: MAF s weight ratio of 1:1 ( CW 3) showed a porosity of 75.5%, and the strength and modulus of 259 kP a and 2.8 MP a in dry state, respectively. The crosslinking by glutaraldehyde resulted in improved mechanical properties. The strength and modulus of cross‐linked CW 3 scaffolds in wet state reached to 345 kP a and 1.8 MP a, respectively. The in vitro bioactivity of the reinforced scaffolds, evaluated by FE ‐ SEM / EDS , XRD , and ATR ‐ FTIR , was confirmed by the formation of a carbonated apatite layer on their surfaces when they soaked in simulated body fluid ( SBF ). The results of this initial study indicate that the monetite‐containing whisker‐like fibers may be an appropriate reinforcement of chitosan scaffolds.