Effect of cellulose nanocrystals on xylan/chitosan/nanoβ-TCP composite matrix for bone tissue engineering

The current work intends to explore the effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the properties of xylan/chitosan/beta-tricalcium phosphate matrix for its application as bone tissue construct. The composite scaffold samples were synthesized using freeze drying process and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry, X-Ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy for their physicochemical properties. Microstructural analysis revealed alteration in pore size on tuning filler concentration from 1 to 10% with the highest pore size observed in composite with 5% CNC content. Addition of 1% CNC to the matrix significantly enhanced the compressive modulus and crystalline content of the material. Samples with 5% CNC content exhibited the highest thermal stability. All the composites with beta-TCP content demonstrated increased cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization tendency.