Spherical N-carboxyethylchitosan/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles prepared by ionic diffusion process in a controlled manner.

The nanocomposites containing hydroxyapatite (HA) and biomacromolecules have attracted considerable research interest in implants, tissue scaffolds and drug controlled delivery. In this study, the N-carboxyethylchitosan/hydroxyapatite (NCECS/HA) nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic diffusion process in a controlled manner. The crystallization, particle size, size distribution and aggregation morphology of the NCECS/HA nanocomposites were dependent on the mole ratio of the glucosamine unit in NCECS to the Ca(2+). Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) result indicated that there are chemical bonds formed between NCECS and HA. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the crystallization of HA in NCECS matrix was significantly retarded. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results revealed that NCECS/HA nanocomposites have the spherical morphology with the diameter ranging from 10 to 40 nm. The NCECS mineralization is driven by the self-assembly of NCECS and HA. These NCECS/HA nanocomposites have potential applications as the carrier for the controlled delivery of growth factors and drugs.