In Vitro Biomineralization of Glutaraldehyde Crosslinked Chitosan Films

The biomimetic approach was applied to study the in vitro biomineralization of series of the chitosan films crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. The deposited calcium phosphate coatings were studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Initially, the treatment in simulated body fluid (SBF) results in the formation of single layer of calcium phosphate particles over the film surface. As immersion time in SBF increases, further nucleation and growth produce a simulated calcium phosphate coating. The Ca/P molar ratio of the calcium phosphate increases with the immersion time, showing a rapid formation of calcium-deficient phosphate material from the phase of octac1alcium phosphate. The different glutaraldehyde crosslinking degree influences the morphology and magnitude of the calcium phosphate coatings on the surface of the chitosan films.