Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Challenges in tissue engineering have always-motivated scientists and engineers to develop new biomaterials that can restore the structural features and physiological functions of natural tissues. A novel ceramic-polymer composite was processed with bio-active ceramics dispersed in a natural bio-active polymer for bone graft applications. A commercially available caster bean extract polymer (CBP) was used. It is a natural polymer extracted from the oily caster beans of the dicotyledonous class. During processing of these composites, in situ random interconnected porosity was generated similar to natural bone. Hg-porosimetry results of these composites show that most of the pores are between 50 to 150 microns. Compression tests were performed on cylindrical samples to determine the mechanical properties. Average compression modulus was calculated as 173 MPa, while the average failure strength was 6.7 MPa. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation studies were conducted with modified human osteoblast cell-line (OPC-1) to show that these composites are biocompatible. Composites showed good cell attachment with a continuous increase in cell growth for at least up to two weeks.