Bio-inspired calcium phosphates-biopolymer scaffolds with inclusions of SPIONs for bone tissue regeneration

Magnetic scaffolds have been obtained using a process of precipitation of calcium phosphates from precursors (CaCl₂ and NaH₂PO₄) on a mixture of biopolymers (chitosan, collagen, sodium hyaluronate) and SPIONs (magnetite coated with chitosan). Three-dimensional porous structures of the magnetic scaffolds has been revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) data and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that peaks from the three biopolymers, calcium phosphates and magnetic nanoparticles are present. The retention of simulated body fluids is dependent on the scaffolds morphology and the in vitro enzymatic degradation rate is strongly correlated with the presence of organic phase. The interaction of the magnetic scaffolds with osteoblast cells has demonstrated that they have good cytocompatibility.