Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds: A Promising Alternative for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Sergio Pineda-Castillo,
Andrés Bernal-Ballén,
Cristian Bernal-López,
Hugo Segura-Puello,
Diana Nieto-Mosquera,
Andrea Villamil-Ballesteros,
Diana Muñoz-Forero,
Lukas Munster
Affiliations
Sergio Pineda-Castillo
Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería Biomédica, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Andrés Bernal-Ballén
Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería Biomédica, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Cristian Bernal-López
Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería Biomédica, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Hugo Segura-Puello
Laboratorio de Investigación en Cáncer. Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Diana Nieto-Mosquera
Laboratorio de Investigación en Cáncer. Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Andrea Villamil-Ballesteros
Laboratorio de Investigación en Cáncer. Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Diana Muñoz-Forero
Laboratorio de Investigación en Cáncer. Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Avenida Circunvalar No. 60-00, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Lukas Munster
Centre of Polymer Systems, University Institute. Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Trida Tomase Bati 5678, Zlin 76001, Czech Republic
Scaffolds can be considered as one of the most promising treatments for bone tissue regeneration. Herein, blends of chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol), and hydroxyapatite in different ratios were used to synthesize scaffolds via freeze-drying. Mechanical tests, FTIR, swelling and solubility degree, DSC, morphology, and cell viability were used as characterization techniques. Statistical significance of the experiments was determined using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with p < 0.05. Crosslinked and plasticized scaffolds absorbed five times more water than non-crosslinked and plasticized ones, which is an indicator of better hydrophilic features, as well as adequate resistance to water without detriment of the swelling potential. Indeed, the tested mechanical properties were notably higher for samples which were undergone to crosslinking and plasticized process. The presence of chitosan is determinant in pore formation and distribution which is an imperative for cell communication. Uniform pore size with diameters ranging from 142 to 519 µm were obtained, a range that has been described as optimal for bone tissue regeneration. Moreover, cytotoxicity was considered as negligible in the tested conditions, and viability indicates that the material might have potential as a bone regeneration system.