Chitosan-apatite composites: Synthesis and properties

Abstract

The aim of this short review was to discuss applications of a unique biopolymer chitosan in practical medicine, especially for bone tissue engineering. The article highlights the preparation and properties of innovative chitosan- based biomaterials such as CaP-chitosan (CS-CP)-composites and chitosan-alginate (CS-AG)-scaffolds. This paper takes a closer look at the physicochemical properties, spectral characteristics and chemical modifications of the chitosan molecule. The obtained chitosan-apatite composites were analysed using X-ray diffraction to verify the crystalline nature of their structures. It was observed that the addition of chitosan to the composite material reduces apatite crystallinity. Besides, an accent was made on antibacterial properties of chitosan, the use of chitosan nanoparticles to produce nanofibers and controlled drug delivery systems.