Exploring the binding effect of a seaweed-based gum in the fabrication of hydroxyapatite scaffolds for biomedical applications

摘要

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the most bountiful mineral found in the bones and teeth of vertebrates.They are extensively used in therapeutic applications as an implant substrate to augment boneprogress or as a drug release vehicle due to its close similarity to the components of human bonesand also for its outstanding biocompatibility. The porous blocks are commonly used as a scaffoldingsubstrate. Various methods have been applied to construct HAP porous scaffolds. The present studyinvestigates the binding properties of a seaweed-based biopolymer, sodium alginate as a naturalbinder in the fabrication of HAP scaffolds by polymeric replication technique. These porous scaffoldswere characteristics by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM),Stereo zoom optical microscopy image and compressive mechanical testing techniques. Thebioactivity of the scaffolds was evaluated by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF). Thus,scaffolds with highly interconnected macropores, with pore diameter around 300 nm to 500nm andmicropore mainly fall within the 2–20 μm range can be obtained, which are suitable for absorptionof biological metabolites and the cell attachment. Also, the maximum compressive yield strength atbreak down was found to be 1.4MPa for 68% porous scaffold, comparable to that of cancellousbones.