Fabrication of alginate/nanoTiO₂ needle composite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2011, Vol.83 (2), p.858-864
• Main Authors: Rani, V.V. Divya, Ramachandran, Roshni, Chennazhi, K.P, Tamura, H, Nair, S.V, Jayakumar, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biodegradability; Biological and medical sciences; biomineralization; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; freeze drying; Medical sciences; nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polymers; scanning electron microscopy; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology of polymers; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; tissue engineering; tissue repair; toxicity; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.08.065

Alginate is a naturally occurring polymer that has been widely accepted as biodegradable and biocompatible material. Incorporation of nanoceramic will improve the capability of polymeric scaffold for tissue regeneration. Hence, in this study we fabricated a nanocomposite scaffold using alginate with nanoTiO₂ needles by lyophilization technique. The prepared nanocomposite scaffold was characterized using SEM, XRD, FTIR and TGA. In addition, swelling, degradation and biomineralization capability of the scaffold were also evaluated. The developed nanocomposite scaffolds showed well controlled swelling and degradation when compared to the control alginate scaffold. Cytocompatibility was assessed using MTT assay and cell attachment studies. Results indicated no sign of toxicity and cells were found to be attached to the pore walls offered by the scaffolds. These results suggested that the developed nanocomposite scaffold possess the prerequisites for tissue engineering application. Hence, alginate/nanoTiO₂ composite scaffold can be used as a better option for tissue regeneration.