Characterization of hydroxyapatite-coated bacterial cellulose scaffold for bone tissue engineering

The goal of this study was to develop a novel hydroxyapatite (HA) coated bacterial cellulose (BC) scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. HA-coated BC was prepared by immersing in 30 mL of 5× simulated body fluid at 37°C for 12 h. The resulting HA-coated BC scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATRFTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). HA spherical globules were newly formed on the surface of the BC, and a fibrous network of BC scaffolds still maintained their dimensions for cell adhesion and proliferation. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed bands assigned to specific signals for phosphate and carbonate ions from HA. HA-coated BC scaffolds of thermal gravimetric analysis presented residue of around 25%. The ability for bone regeneration of HA-coated BC scaffolds was evaluated using a rat calvarial defect model for 4 and 8 weeks. After implantation, both BC and HAcoated BC scaffolds showed new bone formation derived from existing bone, and found new bone even inside the scaffold. Furthermore, a new bone area was signigicantly increased in the HA-coated BC scaffolds compared with those from BC scaffolds, and bone-like materials were frequently found in HA-coated BC scaffolds. Therefore, the HA-coated BC scaffolds can be used as an effective tool for bone tissue regeneration.