Formulation and characterization of chitosan-based biocomposites with potential use for bone adhesion

The effects of the addition of calcium carbonate (CC) and hydroxyapatite (HA) in chitosan-based biocomposites were studied keeping in mind their potential use as bone adhesives. The formation of coordination bonds between calcium ions and chitosan amino groups was evident, producing ionic cross-links between chitosan macromolecules, which changed chitosan gelation mechanisms, gel strengths, and adhesiveness into bone surfaces; CC concentration is a key factor in these phenomena. A formulation with 2% chitosan and 4% of both CC and HA showed the most promising performance having high levels of adhesion to bone surfaces (0.27 MPa) and a cohesive mode of failure.