Preparation and biological properties of collagen/hydroxyphosphatite composite nanofibers based on ordered nano-hydroxyapatite ceramic fibers

Abstract Man-made materials are easily available, processed and modified for bone defect repairing. What’s more, there is no need to worry about potential infections, immunological incompatibility, sterility, or donor site morbidity. The synthetic Col/HA composite fiber membrane has bone-like components and structures, which is highly competitive as a candidate material of bone graft scaffolds. However, by direct electrospinning method, the usage amount of high cost Col is much, nHA in composite fibers are easy to aggregation, and the required temperature and humidity are harsh. These limit its application greatly. While in the paper, Col/HA nanofibers are prepared by the method of sintering PVP/HA fibers and impregnating with Col solution. The above defects were avoided, and the method is easy to implement. A plausible sintering mechanism of HA fibers is proposed. The intact morphology of the composite fibers is maintained. Its mineralization and degradation characteristics are beneficial to bone conductivity and MSCs growth. Cell viability and toxicity of the materials are enough for biomaterials application. Overall, Col/HA nanofibers biocomposite which prepared by the approach make it a great candidate for the bone tissue engineering.