Three mixtures of collagen (COL) solution and nano-β-tricalcium phosphate (n-β-TCP) powder, with dry weight ratios of 1:1; 1:2.6 and 1:5, respectively were prepared. After freeze-drying, porous three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds were obtained. COL/β-n-TCP scaffolds were chemically crosslinked by treatment with carbodiimide. The crosslinking degree, assessed by quantification of free amine groups, decreased with increasing n-β-TCP quantities. In vitro degradation test showed a better biostability of the chemically cross-linked scaffolds over non-treated ones. All crosslinked scaffolds presented a good cytocompatibility and supported cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h after cell seeding. These results indicated that EDC cross-linked COL/n-β-TCP scaffolds are potential candidates for bone substitutes with enhanced biostability and good biocompatibility.
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