• Synthesis and characterization of Nano- Composite mats containing Zein and hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering
  • Faezeh Esmaeili Ranjbar,1,* Afsaneh Esmaeili Ranjbar,2
    1. Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
    2. Emergency Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran


  • Introduction: Fractures, trauma, inherited bone abnormalities, and tumor excision all lead to bone defects. Nanofibrous scaffolds are preferable tissue regeneration candidates because they mimic extracellular matrix. hydroxyapatite is a bio-ceramic that belongs to the calcium phosphate family, it makes up a significant percentage of bone. Zein is a natural, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer that has received FDA approval. In this study, we prepared composite nanofibrous scaffolds containing Zein and hydroxyapatite and we evaluated their morphology, bioactivity, and biocompatibility.
  • Methods: In this study, we manufactured Zein Nanofibrous scaffolds containing 5% (w/v) HA by electrospinning method. Scaffold morphology and bioactivity were characterized by scanning electron microscope, following that scaffolds were seeded by MG-63, and incubated in a 37℃ incubator for 5 days. In the next step, Nanofibrous mats were fixed with paraformaldehyde 4% and observed with SEM.
  • Results: The SEM results showed that the nanofibrous morphology is smooth, cylindrical and beads bid-free in all experimental groups. The Hydroxycarbonate Apatite Crystals Accumulated on Surface Scaffolds, as shown by SEM Images of Bioactivity Assessment. Moreover, MG-63 cells adhered and proliferated on nanocomposite scaffolds.
  • Conclusion: based on our results, the manufactured scaffolds are biocompatible, bio-adhesive, and bioactive with porous and smooth structures appropriate for tissue engineering
  • Keywords: Tissue engineering, Hydroxyapatite, Zein, Nanofiber