Preparation of a chitin-apatite composite by in situ precipitation onto porous chitin scaffolds.

Composites of chitin with calcium phosphate were obtained by in situ precipitation of the mineral from a supersaturated solution onto chitin scaffolds. The chitin scaffolds were obtained by freeze drying to give a highly porous structure possessing a polar surface favorable for apatite nucleation and growth. THe extent and arrangement of calcium phosphate deposits on the chitin and substituted chitin scaffolds were explored. Up to 55% by mass of calcium phosphate could be incorporated into chitin scaffolds. Deposits on the chitin surface were a continuous apatite carpet nature while deposits on carboxymethylated chitin surfaces displayed a spherical morphology. Carboxymethylation of chitin exerts an overall inhibitory effect towards calcium phosphate deposition, but it provides for site-specific nucleation of the mineral phase. In situ precipitation can be an important route in the future production of various polymer-calcium phosphate composites.