BIOACTIVE QUERCETIN-CROSSLINKED COLLAGEN/HYDROXYAPATITE SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING

Abstract

Tissue engineering is essential in dental implantology. Collagen is the main structural protein of the human extracellular matrix (ECM), is widely used in various areas of tissue engineering. We prepared collagen (Col)/hydroxyapatite (Hap)/ quercetin (QU) constructs with enhanced bone-forming capability. The Col/HAp composite scaffolds were prepared by subjecting collagen sponges to five successive cycles of alternate immersion in calcium and phosphate ion solutions, with exposure times of 20 and 60 min, respectively. After mineral deposition, the sponges were heated at 56 °C for 48 h.