Porous scaffolds of alkaline-soluble collagen including nanocomposite
particles of chondroitin sulfate and low crystalline hydroxyapatite for
cartilage regeneration were fabricated by freeze-drying and thermal
dehydration treatments; porous collagen scaffolds were also synthesized as a
reference. The scaffolds were cross-linked using glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor
treatment in order to enhance biodegradable resistance. Microstructural
observation with scanning electron microscope indicated that the scaffolds
with and without GA cross-linkage had open pores between 130 to 200 μm in
diameter and well-interconnected pores of 10 to 30 μm even after
cross-linkage. In vitro biodegradable resistance to
collagenase was significantly enhanced by GA cross-linking of the scaffolds.
All these results suggest that the GA cross-linked scaffolds consisting of
collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and low crystalline hydroxyapatite have
suitable microporous structures and long-term biochemical stability for
cartilage tissue engineering.