Poster: 3-D Composite Scaffolds Incorporating Hyaluronic Acid Towards Bone Regeneration

Due to its biocompatibility, hydroxyapatite (HA) has been used in combination with ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) as filler of bone defects and bone substitute. However, HA/ß-TCP materials are by nature brittle and their mechanical properties are different from natural healthy bone.

Reinforcement of HA/ß-TCP materials while attempting not to alter their porosity has in the past been tackled by incorporating synthetic polymers such as poly-(lactic acid)(PLA)and poly-(glycolic acid).