Biodegradation behavior and cytotoxicity of the composite membrane composed of beta-dicalcium pyrophosphate and glucose mediated (polyethylene glycol/chitosan).

The purpose of this study is to prepare and evaluate the biodegradation behavior and cytotoxicity of a composite membrane, G-beta-DCP, combining beta-dicalcium pyrophosphate (beta-DCP) ceramic particles and glucose mediated chitosan-polyethylene glycol (PEG) membrane. The cytotoxicity of the G-beta-DCP was examined by the in vitro method of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell culture. Extracts were obtained by soaking the G-beta-DCP composite in lysozyme containing phosphate buffer solution for 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively. The substances released from the G-beta-DCP composite were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MAS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The change in morphologies, chemical composition and crystal structure was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The results of extracts cocultured with fibroblasts show that the growth of fibroblasts would increase for the extracts obtained from different beta-DCP feeding weight G-beta-DCP composites after soaking for 7 days. After further increasing the soaking time, the cell number still increases. It is found that the glucose amine and calcium are gradually released from the G-beta-DCP composites, which is considered to be nutritious for the growth of the fibroblast. The release rate of calcium ion and glucosamine concentration can be regulated by feeding the beta-DCP. The degradation behavior of G-beta-DCP composite is considered as an "onion degradation model" that the G-beta-DCP degrades from outer layer to inner layer. The developed material should have a great potential as a cell substrate in the field of tissue engineering.