Alternative methodology for chitin/hydroxyapatite composites using ionic liquid...

• Author(s): Silva, S. S. ; Duarte, Ana Rita C. ; Oliveira, Joaquim M. ; Mano, J. F. ; Reis, R. L.
• Date: 2013
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/25591
• Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
• Subject(s): Chitin; Hydroxyapatite; Ionic liquids; Supercritical fluid technology
• Document Type: Article
• Language: English

Description

An alternative, green method was used to develop chitin-based biocomposite (ChHA) materials by an integrated strategy using ionic liquids, supercritical fluid drying, and salt leaching. ChHA matrices were produced by dissolving chitin in 1-butyl-methylimidazolium acetate along with salt and/or hydroxyapatite particles and then subsequent drying. The ChHA composite formed had a heterogeneous porous microstructure with 65%–85% porosity and pore sizes in the range of 100–300 µm. The hydroxyapatite was found to be well distributed within the composite structures and had a positive effect in the viability and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells, in vitro. Our findings indicate that these ChHA matrices have potential applications in bone tissue engineering.