Enhanced bone regeneration capability of chitosan sponge coated with TiO(2) nanoparticles

Chitosan has been a popular option for tissue engineering, however exhibits limited function for bone regeneration due to its low mechanical robustness and non-osteogenic inductivity. Here we hybridized chitosan with TiO(2) nanoparticles to improve its bone regeneration capability. Morphology and crystallographic analysis showed that TiO(2) nanoparticles in anatase-type were distributed evenly on the surface of the chitosan sponges. Degradation test showed a significant effect of TiO(2) nanoparticles addition in retaining its integrity. Biomineralization assay using simulated body fluid showed apatite formation in sponges surface as denoted by PO(4−) band observed in FTIR results. qPCR analysis supported chitosan - TiO(2) sponges in bone regeneration capability as indicated by DMP1 and OCN gene upregulation in TiO(2) treated group. Finally, cytotoxicity analysis supported the fact that TiO(2) nanoparticles added sponges were proved to be biocompatible. Results suggest that chitosan-50% TiO(2) nanoparticles sponges could be a potential novel scaffold for bone tissue engineering.