The Characteristics, Swelling Ratio and Water Content Percentage of Chitosan-gelatin/limestone-based Carbonate Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold

The tissue engineering field has developed a scaffold that can be used to increase the bone regeneration process. Carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) is a well-known scaffold due to its human bones resembling components. The scaffold was synthesized from K, G, and limestone-based CHA using a freeze-drying method with K-G/CHA ratios (w/w) of 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, and 10:90. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the scaffold. The FTIR test showed some functional groups, such as hydroxyl, amide I, amide II, carbonate, and phosphate. The SEM-EDX test showed micropore (<50 um) and macropores (>50 um) structures as well as elements of C, N, O, Mg, Al, Si, P, and Ca. The XRD analysis obtained crystalline and amorphous particles. The water content percentage (WCP) values obtained were 61.29%, 64.30%, 67.71%, and 67.78%. The K-G/CHA composite scaffold with a ratio of 30:70 has ideal characteristics, a swelling ratio, and a water content percentage.