Preparation of High Flexible Composite Film of Hydroxyapatite and Chitosan

Microscale hydroxyapatite (HAp), a well-known biocompatible substance for the regeneration and reinforcement of damaged bones, was composited with chitosan as a counter-polymer to produce a film with both biocompatibility and flexibility. Homogeneously dispersed solutions of microscale HAp powder and chitosan with various concentrations of HAp and chitosan were prepared in an attempt to optimize the characteristics of the film at room temperature using a molding method. The physiochemical and morphological properties of the prepared film were analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The prepared film showed high flexibility with homogeneous distribution of chitosan powders in the whole film. The results suggest that a biocompatible film of microscale HAp can be applied in various fields, such as the surface modification of bone implants, regeneration of damaged bones, osteoporosis to improve biocompatible interface between osteoblast cells and microscale inorganic materials, and to improve the osteoconductivity of bone regeneration