Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

Chitosan/bioactive glass nanoparticles scaffolds with shape memory properties

Abstract

We propose a combination of chitosan (CHT) with bioactive glass nanoparticles (BG-NPs) in order to produce CHT/BG-NPs scaffolds that combine the shape memory properties of chitosan and the biomineralization ability of BG-NPs for applications in bone regeneration. The addition of BG-NPs prepared by a sol–gel route to the CHT polymeric matrix improved the bioactivity of the nanocomposite scaffold, as seen by the precipitation of bone-like apatite layer upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). Shape memory tests were carried out while the samples were immersed in varying compositions of water/ethanol mixtures. Dehydration with ethanol enables to fix a temporary shape of a deformed scaffold that recovers the initial geometry upon water uptake. The scaffolds present good shape memory properties characterized by a recovery ratio of 87.5% for CHT and 89.9% for CHT/BG-NPs and a fixity ratio of 97.2% for CHT and 98.2% for CHT/BG-NPs (for 30% compressive deformation). The applicability of such structures was demonstrated by a good geometrical accommodation of a previously compressed scaffold in a bone defect. The results indicate that the developed CHT/BG-NPs nanocomposite scaffolds have potential for being applied in bone tissue engineering.

Journal
Carbohydrate Polymers
Volume
123
Pagination
39-45
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd.
ISSN
0144-8617
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.12.076
Keywords
Bioactive glass Nanoparticles, bioactivity, Biomimetic, Chitosan, Hydromechanical cyclic test, shape memory
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
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