In situ Synthesis of Nanorod Hydroxyapatite Reinforced Polycaprolactone Nanocomposite for Bone Tissue Engineering Application

Hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone (HA/PCL) nanocomposites were synthesized by a new in situsolvothermal process different temperatures of 60C, 70C, 80C, 90C, 120C, and 150C using calcium hydroxide andphosphoric acid precursors in the presence of Acetone as a solvent. Above 70C desirable nanorod-shap HA forms andby increasing the temperature their aspect ratio increases. According to desirable morphology, chemical stability ofPCL and cost considerations 80C with average aspect ratio of 7 was chosen as an appropriate temperature and the otherevaluations conducted on samples prepared in this condition. Chemical and physical characteristics of thenanocomposite and HA powders were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electronmicroscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Young's modulus and maximumtensilestrength of in-situ nanorodHA/PCL composite increased 8% and 11% respectively in comparison to of ex-situnanoparticle HA/PCL nanocomposite. For investigating the biological property, HA/PCL scaffolds were preparedthrough a salt leaching/freeze-drying process and immersed in a saturated simulated body fluid (SBF) after 7 and 14days.

Keywords:

Nanocomposite , Hydroxyapatite–polycaprolactone , In situ solvothermal process , Hydroxyapatitenanorod