Cytocompatibility and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite Composite Reinforced with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Bovine Serum Albumin

In this study, HA/MWCNTs/BSA composites with highly improved mechanical properties for use as bone replacement materials were developed. The HA/MWCNTs/BSA composites powders with different types of MWCNTs (MWCNTs-OH, MWCNTs) were successfully prepared. Compressive strength tests and cell toxicity test on human fibroblasts cell lines (CCD-18Co) were performed to evaluate the mechanical and biological properties of the developed composites. The results show that the HA composites which are prepared using MWCNTs-OH and BSA with compressive strength of 18.92 MPa has the highest results in comparison with HA composites which are prepared using non-functionalized MWCNTs. The obtained compressive strength is higher than values that reported for the strength of trabecular bone (2-12 MPa). Cell culture experiments showed that at low concentrations (6.25 and 12.5 mg/ml), HA/MWCNT/BSA composites led to cell proliferative rather than cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, evidenced by high cell viability of approximately 250%.