Abstract
Spongy scaffolds containing nano-carbonated hydroxyapatite (nCHA), with compositions Ca-10(PO4)(6-y)(CO3)(y)(OH)(2), with y=0,2,4, were prepared by the lyophilization method using different polymers such as natural gelatin (GE), chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alone or in their combinations. The samples were characterized by using XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. All the scaffolds were found to have porosities above 70% and their morphology changed significantly for one nCHA/polymer combination to the other. The nCHA containing scaffolds mediated cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and cell attachment studies were carried out on rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC). Evident cell attachment and no significant cytotoxicity was observed. The preparation of spongy scaffolds and their biocompatibility augment their potential use in tissue engineering and biomedical applications.