Alternative methodology for chitin–hydroxyapatite composites using ionic liquids and supercritical fluid technology. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silva, Simone S; Duarte, Ana Rita C; Oliveira, Joaquim M; Mano, João F; Reis, Rui L
• Is Part Of: Journal of bioactive and compatible polymers. Volume 28:Number 5(2013)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 491
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: Composites -- chitin -- hydroxyapatite -- controlled pore sizes -- scaffold pores sizing -- ionic liquids -- salt leaching -- supercritical fluid technology; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Polymers in medicine -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1177/0883911513501595
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-9115

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%–85% porosity and pore sizes in the range of 100–300 µm. 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.