Highly Porous Fluorapatite/β-1,3-Glucan Composite for Bone Tissue Regeneration: Characterization and In-Vitro Assessment of Biomedical Potential

A novel fluorapatite/glucan composite (“FAP/glucan”) was developed for the treatment of bone defects. Due to the presence of polysaccharide polymer (β-1,3-glucan), the composite is highly flexible and thus very convenient for surgery. Its physicochemical and microstructural properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mercury intrusion, mechanical testing and compared with the reference material, which was a hydroxyapatite/glucan composite (“HAP/glucan”) with hydroxyapatite granules (HAP) instead of FAP. It was found that FAP/glucan has a higher density and lower porosity than the reference material. The correlation between the Young’s modulus and the compressive strength between the materials is different in a dry and wet state. Bioactivity assessment showed a lower ability to form apatite and lower uptake of apatite-forming ions from the simulated body fluid by FAP/glucan material in comparison to the reference material. Moreover, FAP/glucan was determined to be of optimal fluoride release capacity for osteoblasts growth requirements. The results of cell culture experiments showed that fluoride-containing biomaterial was non-toxic, enhanced the synthesis of osteocalcin and stimulated the adhesion of osteogenic cells.