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Chemical-Physical Characterization and in vitro Preliminary Biological Assessment of Hyaluronic Acid Benzyl Ester-Hydroxyapatite Composite

Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering ‘Giulio Natta’, Polytechnic of Milan, Via L. Mancinelli 7-20131 Milan, Italy, carmen.giordano{at}polimi.it

V. Sanginario

Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, IMCB-CNR, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy

L. Ambrosio

Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, IMCB-CNR, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy

L. Di Silvio

Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Medical and Dental Institute, King’s College London, Biomaterials Science, Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Street, London SE1 9RT, UK

M. Santin

School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK

HYAFF®11 is a biocompatible, biodegradable benzyl ester of hyaluronic acid. However, in order to use it for orthopedic application, its mechanical performance needs to be improved. In this study, a novel composite based on HYAFF®11 polymer matrix reinforced with hydroxylapatite (HA) has been developed. Its advantage is having a similar component of the mineral phase of bone resulting in favorable osteoconductive properties. The present study has examined the compressive mechanical and surface chemical-physical properties of the novel HYAFF®11-HA composite. Preliminary biological investigations, including pH and cytotoxicity studies of the material extracts, have also been performed using an in vitro primary human osteoblast-like cell model. Moreover, protein, especially fibronectin adsorption has been investigated following incubation in culture medium and human plasma. The results show a grainy surface topography composed mainly of C, P, and Ca, with a Ca/P atomic ratio indicating HA on the composite surface. Mechanical analysis shows an improvement of the compressive properties of HYAFF11 matrix, both in the dry and swollen states, with values in the range of that of spongy bone. No cytotoxic effects and no inhibition of cell proliferation have been observed in the presence of the material extracts with pH values within acceptable ranges for cell vitality. Protein studies reveal a similar pattern, but a higher amount of fibronectin following incubation in human plasma when compared with culture medium. The results show that the novel HYAFF®11-HA composite shows a great potential for application in orthopedic fields, especially as vertebral trabecular bone substitute.

Key Words: hydrogel • composite • surface analysis • stress analysis • cell response • protein adsorption • biocompatibility • osteoblast • in vitro tests • cell culture

Journal of Biomaterials Applications, Vol. 20, No. 3, 237-252 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0885328206051811


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