Creation of Three-dimensional Composites of Tricalcium Phosphate and Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes for Bone Tissue Engineering

The creation of biomaterials with unique properties and the search for new methods for their preparation is one of the key tasks of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is often used to restore bone tissue, which supports osteoblast proliferation and adhesion and stimulates new bone formation. The article presents a method for creating three-dimensional composites based on aqueous dispersions of tricalcium phosphate, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and a protein matrix using laser radiation. Protein matrix is a blend of bovine serum albumin and collagen. The dispersions were subjected to spectral analysis, after which they were placed in a vessel and irradiated with a pulsed ytterbium laser until a solid composite was formed. The structural properties of composites and their hardness characteristics have been studied. The obtained composites are not inferior in hardness to native bone tissue, and can be used to restore bone defects.