An in vitro analysis and physicochemical characterization of a nano-hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (n-HA/β-TCP) and type 1 collagen composite

Materials science has contributed to developing new nano-biomaterials for specific dentistry applications. The present work aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of a composite nanomaterial scaffold in the form of blocks for maxillofacial bone regeneration application. The scaffold had block shapes and was a mixture of nano-hydroxyapatite, β-Tricalcium phosphate, and type I collagen of bovine origin. The biomaterial was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemical composition microanalysis, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The wettability was measured using a distilled water contact angle with the surface. The phase transformation temperatures were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In the SEM and TEM analyses, it was possible to identify the layers of the materials and, with microanalysis, quantify the chemical composition. The XRD spectra showed the presence of nano-hydroxyapatite and nano-ß-TCP. The wettability testing showed that the material is super hydrophilic. The results of the DSC testing showed that the analyzed sample undergoes endothermic transitions and transformation between 25 and 150°C. The results showed that the composite does not contain contamination from manufacturing procedures. It can be concluded that the n-HA/β-TCP and type 1 collagen composite are free of manufacturing contaminants, have higher hydrophilicity, and can be suited for clinical application.