Physicochemical characterization and biocompatibility in vitro of biphasic calcium phosphate/polyvinyl alcohol scaffolds prepared by freeze-drying method for bone tissue engineering applications

In this study, a well developed porous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) scaffold was prepared by emulsion foam freeze-drying method possessed moderate inter-connected pores and porosity. The SEM analysis showed that BCP nano-particles could disperse uniformly in the scaffolds, and the pore size, porosity, and compressive strength could be controlled by the weight ratio of BCP/PVA. The in vitro degradation and cytocompatibility of scaffolds were examined in this study. The degradation analysis showed the prepared scaffolds have a low variation of pH values (approximately 7.18-7.36) in SBF solution, and have the biodegradation rate of BCP/PVA scaffolds decreased with the increase of PVA concentration. Moreover, MTT assay indicated that the BCP/PVA porous scaffold has no negative effects on cells growth and proliferation, and the hBMSCs possessed a favorable spreading morphology on the BCP/PVA scaffold surface. The inter-connected pore structure, mechanical strength, biodegradation rate and cytocompatibility of the prepared BCP/PVA scaffold can meet essential requirements for blame bearing bone tissue engineering and regeneration. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.