Biomimetic apatite layer formation on a novel citrate starch scaffold suitable for bone tissue engineering applications

The formation of biomimetic bone-like apatite layers throughout the biopolymer-based hydrogel scaffold is an attractive approach in bone tissue engineering. Here, the starch scaffold was prepared using a combination of particulate leaching and freeze-drying techniques. The fabricated structures were then modified by citric acid to investigate the formation of bone-like apatite layer on the porous citrate-based scaffold after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF). The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that the B-type carbonated apatite has successfully deposited on the scaffold after immersing in SBF for 28 days. Indeed, high chemical affinity of carboxyl group in citrate starch resulted in primary heterogeneous nucleation of apatitic calcium phosphate throughout the starch hydrogel. Moreover, the biological activity of MG63 osteoblast-like cells cultured on the scaffold was assessed using indirect MTTassay and cell attachment experiment. The results indicated that the cells show significant biocompatibility and cell attachment.