[Tissue engineering study on chitosan-gelatin/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds--osteoblasts culture].

Objective To investigate the behavior of rat calvarial osteoblasts cultured on chitosan gelatin/hydroxyapatite (CS Gel/HA) composite scaffolds. Methods The rat calvarial osteoblasts (the 3rd passage) were seeded at a density of 1.01×10 6 cells/ml onto the CS Gel/HA composite scaffolds having porosity 85 20%, 90 40% and 95 80%. Cell number was counted after cultured for 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks. Cell proliferation, bone like tissue formation, and mineralization were separately detected by HE, von Kossa histological staining techniques. Results The CS Gel/HA composite scaffolds supported the attachment of seeded rat calvarial osteoblasts. Cells proliferated faster in scaffold with higher porosity 90 40% and 95.80% than scaffold with lower porosity 85 20%. The osteoblasts/scaffold constructs were feasible for mineral deposition, and bone like tissue formation in 3 weeks. Conclusion This study suggests the feasibility of using CS Gel/HA composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.