Synthesis of a Hydroxyapatite/Collagen/Chondroitin Sulfate Nanocomposite by a Novel Precipitation Method

A hydroxyapatite/collagen/chondroitin sulfate nanocomposite that partly mimicked the composition of cartilage was synthesized through a novel precipitation method, using a calcium hydroxide suspension and phosphoric acid solutions that contained several mixing ratios of type II collagen (Col) and chondroitin sulfate (ChS). The precipitates were shaped and consolidated via filter pressing and subsequent cold isostatic pressing, respectively. A preferential alignment of the crystallographic c -axis of the hydroxyapatite nanocrystals along the longitudinal direction of the Col and ChS mixture was observed. The fracture strength and Vickers hardness of the nanocomposites were in the ranges of 35–50 and 119–219 MPa, respectively. This nanocomposite may be applicable for use as a bone substitute, because of its potential capability of bone remodeling through endochondral ossification.