Novel chitosan-hydroxyapatite macroporous composites for biomedical applications

Composites made of natural and/or naturally-derived polymers intended for biomedical applications are expected to exhibit structures analogous to the natural ones, as well as valuable properties as biologic compatibility and activity, and the ability to allow new, biologically recognizable interactions/signals with the host tissue. Under these circumstances, novel chitosan-hydroxyapatite (Cs-HAp) macroporous composites were prepared through a simple procedure and subsequently characterized by the means of Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and mechanical tests. Experimental data confirmed the materials have high porosity, originating in the structure of Cs, and good mechanical properties, due to the presence of HAp, which enables them to be further employed in various biomedical applications, but only when low to moderate loads were used.