Integrating hydroxyapatite and bovine bone mineral into cellulose–collagen matrices for enhanced osteogenesis†

Abstract

This study investigates novel biomaterials developed for bone regeneration, using cellulose and collagen type I matrices enhanced with hydroxyapatite or InterOss. These materials demonstrate significantly improved mechanical properties, notably the compressive modulus, indicating their potential for effective structural support in bone regeneration. Incorporating hydroxyapatite into these matrices markedly improves their physical properties, increasing the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller area and monolayer capacity, thereby facilitating superior cell adhesion and proliferation. This enhancement promotes more effective osteoblast activity and viability over extended periods compared to matrices containing InterOss. Furthermore, the scaffolds comprising cellulose modified with (3-amino-4-methylphenyl) boronic acid exhibit significantly enhanced antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which is crucial for preventing post-surgical infections. Materials that incorporate hydroxyapatite (HA) have displayed a rougher and more intricate surface compared to those that include InterOss® particles, suggesting that HA promotes the development of an enhanced mineralized skeleton within the composites. Cytocompatibility studies revealed that the scaffold containing cellulose, collagen, and hydroxyapatite provided the most favorable environment for sustaining cell viability, with significant improvements noted from day 7 onwards. Despite initial cytotoxicity challenges, long-term exposure showed improved cell viability, suggesting degradation of cytotoxic products over time. This research underscores the clinical potential of these biomaterials in bone regeneration, highlighting their ability to enhance structural integrity, support osteogenic activity, and prevent bacterial infections, thus promising to improve patient outcomes in bone-related therapies.