@article {17661,
	title = {Alternative methodology for chitin/hydroxyapatite composites using ionic liquids and supercritical fluid technology},
	journal = {Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers},
	volume = {28},
	year = {2013},
	month = {2013-08-27 00:00:00},
	pages = {481-491},
	publisher = {Sage},
	abstract = {
An alternative, green method was used to develop chitin-based biocomposite (ChHA) materials 
by an integrated strategy using ionic liquids, supercritical fluid drying, and salt leaching. ChHA 
matrices were produced by dissolving chitin in 1-butyl-methylimidazolium acetate along with salt 
and/or hydroxyapatite particles and then subsequent drying. The ChHA composite formed had 
a heterogeneous porous microstructure with 65\%{\textendash}85\% porosity and pore sizes in the range 
of 100{\textendash}300 {\textmu}m. The hydroxyapatite was found to be well distributed within the composite 
structures and had a positive effect in the viability and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells, in 
vitro. Our findings indicate that these ChHA matrices have potential applications in bone tissue 
engineering.
},
	keywords = {chitin, hydroxyapatite, ionic liquids, supercritical fluid technology},
	doi = {10.1177/0883911513501595},
	url = {http://jbc.sagepub.com/content/28/5/481},
	author = {Silva, S. S. and Duarte, A. R. C. and Oliveira, J. M. and Mano, J. F. and Reis, R. L.}
}