FTIR, SEM and Micro-CT Scan results of biocomposite scaffold characteristics

Abstract

CHA/PVA/Alginate based biocomposite scaffolds have been successfully synthesized by using freeze drying methods. Carbonated hydroxyapatite or CHA powder was firstly synthesized using calcium from chicken eggshells, phosphate acid, and sodium carbonates as starting materials. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been chosen in this experiment to reinforce the mechanical properties of the CHA/alginate scaffolds. The alginate concentrations of 3%, 4%, and 5% were used as porosifiers and CaCl2 was added as a crosslink agent. Properties of the biocomposite were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) Scanner. FTIR results of the scaffolds show spectra corresponding to functional groups of CHA, PVA, and alginate which include O-H, C-O, C = O, C = C, O-Na, P-O and P = O. The morphology of the scaffolds was evaluated by SEM and clearly shows many interconnectivity pores with the values range from 4.92 to 28.48 μm which are sufficient for osteoblast cells to grow. The EDX results show that the scaffolds contain Ca, P, C, O, Na, Cl, and S with the Ca/P ratio ranges from 1.81 to 2.67. Porosity of the scaffolds was measured by micro-CT scanner presenting the range of 25.86% to 42.74%. These scaffolds reveal good prospects for bone substitute application.