PRINTABLE MORPHOGENETIC PHASE-SPECIFIC CHITOSAN-CALCIUM-POLYPHOSPHATE SCAFFOLD FOR BONE REPAIR

摘要

This invention concerns a formula for the synthesis of a printable hybrid material, formed of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and polyphosphate (polyP). Both polymers are linked together by calcium ions. The inventive CMC-polyP material, in combination with alginate, is biocompatible, biodegradable and useful for three-dimensional (3D) printing and 3D cell printing (bioprinting). The CMC-polyP scaffold, hardened by exposure to calcium ions, is morphogenetically active and can be used in bone tissue engineering, as a bio mimetic 3 -phase scaffold that mimics and induces essential phases in bone repair, including blood clot formation and platelet degranulation (release of growth factors and cytokines) (Phase 1: initiation phase), calcium carbonate bioseed formation (Phase 2: nucleation) and expression / activation of bone alkaline phosphatase (Phase 3: hydroxyapatite - biomineral formation).