DCPD/collagen scaffold and apatite formation in vitro

Deposition of bone-like apatite on material surface is a potent osteoconducing factor for the bone substitute materials. The present study was designed to investigate whether the formation of bone-like apatite is enhanced on the complex of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and collagen (DCPD/collagen) in simulated body fluid (SBF). DCPD/collagen was prepared by the precipitation of DCPD in the collagen solution containing phosphate buffer solution. 4 mg of DCPD/collagen was soaked in 20 ml of SBF from 1 hour to 7 days at 37°C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterize the precipitation phases and examine the morphological characteristics. No precipitation was occurred on the collagen examined as the control experiment. However, DCPD crystals tend to dissolve and hydrolyze in SBF and bone-like apatite re-precipitated on the collagen surface within 1 day. These results suggest that the DCPD/collagen could be a potential bone substitute material.