Preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatite/chondroitin sulfate composites by biomimetic synthesis

Based on the principles of biomineralization, flakelike hydroxyapatite/chondroitin sulfate composites were synthesized through biomimetic method using Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)3PO4·3H2O as reagents and chondroitin sulfate as template. The crystalline phase, microstructure, chemical composition, morphology and thermal behavior of the composites obtained in the experiment were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Thermogravimetry-Differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA) and Elemental analyzer, respectively. The interaction between the functional groups of ChS and HA was investigated by electrical conductivity and UV–vis spectrum. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared powders with small amount of carbonate have the component similar to human bone. It can be concluded that the nucleation and growth of HA crystals occurred through the chemical interactions between the HA crystals and preorganized functional groups of the ChS template. Furthermore, the concentration of ChS significantly affects the morphology of the composites. Short fiberlike crystals could be obtained at a low concentration of ChS, but flakelike crystals could be synthesized using a high concentration (≥0.5 wt%) of ChS as template.