Viscoelasticity, mechanical properties, and in vitro biodegradation of injectable chitosan-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/nanohydroxyapatite composite hydrogel

A novel injectable composite hydrogel based on chitosan and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) reinforced with nanohydroxyapatite particles was synthesized. The chemical structure and morphology of the composite hydrogel were characterized. The composite hydrogel porosity, swelling, mechanical properties, viscoelasticity and in vitro biodegradation were also examined. Compared with the non-reinforced hydrogel, the composite hydrogel showed increased compressive strength, elastic modulus, viscous modulus, stiffness and had shear-thinning behaviour proving the injectability of the system. Swelling and biodegradation studies revealed that the composite scaffold possesses proper hydrophilicity and biodegradability. These properties make this composite hydrogel a promising injectable scaffold for bone regeneration.