Copper and manganese substituted hydroxyapatite/chitosan–polyvinyl pyrrolidone biocomposite for biomedical applications

The key challenge in tissue engineering is to develop structures with sufficient characteristics that will replicate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote tissue regeneration. Copper and manganese minerals substituted hydroxyapatite (CuMn-HA)/chitosan (CTS)–polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVD) were fabricated by sol–gel and solvent casting techniques, respectively. Fabricated biocomposites have been identified by the use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the analysis of functional groups, crystalline phases and surface morphology. The XRD and FTIR spectra of the biocomposite revealed the existence of functional groups and crystalline phases in the biocomposites. The SEM images revealed biocomposite and inclusion of CuMn-HA in rough morphology. Physicochemical characteristics such as swelling and compressive strength have been examined in the preparation of biocomposite materials. Biocomposites (10, 20, 30 wt% of CuMn-HA biocomposite) exhibited great material characteristics where 30% displayed the minimum swelling and a compressive property of 71 MPa was tested. It displayed the highest inhibition zone towards bacteria population and was also found to be blood-compatible with a haemolytic value of only about 2.5% relative to other compounds. Finally, in-vitro cell cultures were performed in biocomposite scaffolds to determine the effects of CuMn-HA on the proliferation of osteoblast cells, resulting in biocomposites contrast to pristine PVD/CTS.