Flexural Strength Evaluation of Chitosan-Gelatin-Β-Tricalcium Phosphate-Based Composite Scaffold

In this study, composite scaffolds of chitosan, gelatin, and β-tricalcium phosphate (βTCP) were fabricated for bone tissue engineering. The flexural strength of scaffolds was compared with and without βTCP. Two types of β-tricalcium phosphate were used: limestone-derived and commercial β-tricalcium phosphates. Scaffolds were fabricated by mixing chitosan solution with gelatin solution, followed by the addition of β-tricalcium phosphate. The mixture was then poured into a mold and lyophilized to obtain a three-dimensional scaffold. The bulk density, porosity, and flexural strength were evaluated. The bulk density of scaffold after βTCP addition significantly increased, with scaffold containing limestone-derived βTCP exhibiting the highest density (0.28 ± 0.06 g/cm3). The scaffold with limestone-derived βTCP had the lowest porosity (87.77 ± 2.49 %). The flexural strength of chitosan-gelatin-βTCP scaffolds was markedly higher than that of chitosan-gelatin scaffold, with the scaffold containing limestone-derived βTCP exhibiting the highest flexural strength (1.92 ± 0.49 MPa). Although βTCP addition improves the flexural strength of the scaffold, further evaluations are required to consolidate its application in bone regeneration treatment.