Chitosan/CaCO3-silane nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, in vitro bioactivity and Cu(II) adsorption properties.

Chitosan nanocomposites containing 2, 5, 8wt% of calcium carbonate-γ-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (CS/CC-ATS NCs) were prepared by ultrasonic irradiation. After characterizing of physicochemical properties of the obtained CS/CC-ATS NCs, their performance was evaluated for both the bone-like apatite mineralization and the removal of Cu(II). The field emission-scanning electron microscopy images from the in vitro bioactivity of the CS and the CS/CC-ATS NC 5wt% displayed that the hydroxyapatite was produced on the samples surface. However, the distribution of it on the surface of CS/CC-ATS NC 5wt% was better than the pure CS. The uptake of Cu(II) on the CS/CC-ATS NC 5wt% was studied under different adsorption conditions such as contact time, the initial concentration of metal ion and adsorbent amount. The results of isothermal adsorption of the pure CS and the CS/CC-ATS NC 5wt% were well fitted by Langmuir model for Cu(II) with adsorption capacity of 33.33 and 33.90mg·g-1, respectively. As a result, the CS/CC-ATS NC has great potencies in both the bone tissue engineering and the uptake of toxic metal from solution.