Investigation on the biomimetic influence of biopolymers on calcium phosphate precipitation-part 2: Chitosan

A better understanding of how macromolecules act in the precipitation of inorganic phases is the key to designing biomimetic routes for producing self-organized materials with remarkable properties. The role of small amounts of biopolymers (ppm) in the precipitation of calcium phosphate was studied: chitosan and alginate were chosen to be explored in our group studies since they are polysaccharides that present, respectively, amino and carboxyl groups, the most common functions in biopolymers. The effect of chitosan was found to be more intense than that of alginate in terms of influence (compared to blank samples) and also in orientation of the inorganic phase that was obtained. These results may indicate that polymers have interactions, but just enough to conduct ions for molecular recognition and correct epitaxy to orient crystals. Strong interactions would lead to the binding of the species, making them unavailable for further oriented growth.