초록 |
This study proposes an innovative way of synthesizing porous collagen/hydroxyapatite composite microspheres with a nanofibrous structure with nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS). In particular, a collagen/hydroxyapatite solution deposited in a coagulation bath could be effectively gelled through the self-assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils through exchange of solvent and nonsolvent. A range of HA particles (0, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% in relation to the collagen) were added to a collagen solution in order to improve the biocompatibility of the collagen/hydroxyapatite composite microspheres. The incorporation of the hydroxyapatite particles to the collagen led to a considerable improvement in in vitro bioactivity, which was assessed by immersing the collagen/hydroxyapatite composite microspheres in simulated body fluid (SBF). A number of apatite crystals could be precipitated on the surface of the collagen/hydroxyapatite composite microspheres after soaking in the SBF for 3 days. The in vitro apatite-forming ability and biocompatibility of the nanofibrous collagen/hydroxyapatite composite microspheres was significantly enhanced with an increase in hydroxyapatite content, demonstrating their great potential for the promotion of bone tissue regeneration. |