Characterization of CO3Ap-collagen sponges using X-ray high-resolution microtomography

Itoh Manabu

Shimazu Atsushi

Hirata Isao

Yoshida Yasuhiro

Shintani Hideaki

Okazaki Masayuki

Biomaterials

For reconstruction and regeneration of hard tissues, scaffold biomaterials with large size pores and high porosity are important, in addition to their roles as supporting frames. To develop a new biodegradable scaffold biomaterial, CO3Ap, which has crystallinity and a chemical composition similar to bone, was synthesized at pH 7.4 and 60°C. Then, the CO3Ap was mixed with a neutralized collagen gel and the CO3Ap-collagen mixtures with different kinds of CO3Ap contents and porosity were lyophilized into sponges. Scanning electron micrography (SEM) observation of CO3Ap-collagen sponges showed favorable pores for cell invasion. Approximately 50–300 μm size pores appeared to continue through the bulk. Higher magnification of the sponge showed a better adhesion between CO3Ap crystals and collagen. X-ray high-resolution microtomography revealed a clear image of the 3D structure of the sponges. The porosity of 0, 70 and 90%(w/w) CO3Ap-collagen sponges was 79.2±2.8%, 72.6±2.4% and 48.9±6.1%, respectively. The 70%(w/w) CO3Ap-collagen sponge appeared to be the most favorable biomaterial from the viewpoint of natural bone properties. Mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in αMEM with 10% FCS for 2 weeks. Hematoxylin–eosin staining confirmed osteoblast cells invaded well into the CO3Ap-collagen sponge. These sponges are expected to be used as hard tissue scaffold biomaterials for therapeutic uses.

Bone repair

Collagen

Hydroxyapatite composite

Scaffold

Medical sciences [ 490 ]

eng

Elsevier

Copyright (c) 2003 Elsevier Ltd.

[ISSN] 0142-9612

[DOI] 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2003.09.071

[NCID] AA00110092

[DOI] http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2003.09.071