Preparation and biocompatibility of nanohybrid scaffolds by in situ homogeneous formation of nano hydroxyapatite from biopolymer polyelectrolyte complex for bone repair applications

The achievement of nano distribution for inorganic reinforced filler is a big challenge to three-dimensional porous composite scaffolds. In this paper, a homogeneous nano hydroxyapatite/polyelectrolyte complex (HAP/PEC) hybrid scaffold was developed and investigated. Based on the enhancing properties of the formation of PEC between chitosan and hyaluronic acid, the introduction of nano HAP via in situ crystallization from the PEC achieved nano distribution in the PEC matrix and supplied nano topographies of extracellular environments for the nanohybrid scaffold. The biocompatibility and bioactivity were evaluated by Human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) proliferation (MTT assay), maturation (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity) and histological analysis. The in vitro tests show the scaffold is excellent for cell penetration, growth, and proliferation and it is promising for bone repair application.