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The key challenge in tissue engineering is to develop structures with sufficient characteristics that will replicate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote tissue regeneration. Copper and manganese minerals substituted hydroxyapatite (CuMn-HA)/chitosan (CTS)–polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVD) were fabricated by sol–gel and solvent casting techniques, respectively. Fabricated biocomposites have been identified by the use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the analysis of functional groups, crystalline phases and surface morphology. The XRD and FTIR spectra of the biocomposite revealed the existence of functional groups and crystalline phases in the biocomposites. The SEM images revealed biocomposite and inclusion of CuMn-HA in rough morphology. Physicochemical characteristics such as swelling and compressive strength have been examined in the preparation of biocomposite materials. Biocomposites (10, 20, 30 wt% of CuMn-HA biocomposite) exhibited great material characteristics where 30% displayed the minimum swelling and a compressive property of 71 MPa was tested. It displayed the highest inhibition zone towards bacteria population and was also found to be blood-compatible with a haemolytic value of only about 2.5% relative to other compounds. Finally, in-vitro cell cultures were performed in biocomposite scaffolds to determine the effects of CuMn-HA on the proliferation of osteoblast cells, resulting in biocomposites contrast to pristine PVD/CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) based polymer biocomposites have been widely used in biomedical industry because of biocompatibility and improved mechanical properties. The goal of this study was to produce ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene/nHA composite via heat-assisted friction stir processing and to investigate the effects of process parameters on composite’s microstructure and tensile characteristics. The process parameters include rotational speed (ω), feed rate (f), volume fraction of nHA (v), and shoulder temperature (T). ANOVA was performed to identify the significant process parameters. Moreover, empirical models for tensile properties were developed and validated. Microscopic analysis revealed that the process parameters substantially affect the dispersion of reinforcing particles, formation of defects, and mixing of materials. Low levels of ω and T and high levels of f and v lead to defects (agglomeration of reinforcing particles, voids, and channels). Five percent volume of nHA with medium levels of other process parameters resulted in better material mixing, minimum defects, and better mechanical properties (10% increase in strength with only 1% reduction in percent elongation, relative to the parent material). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]