@article {17661, title = {Alternative methodology for chitin/hydroxyapatite composites using ionic liquids and supercritical fluid technology}, journal = {Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers}, volume = {28}, year = {2013}, month = {2013-08-27 00:00:00}, pages = {481-491}, publisher = {Sage}, abstract = {

An alternative, green method was used to develop chitin-based biocomposite (ChHA) materials
by an integrated strategy using ionic liquids, supercritical fluid drying, and salt leaching. ChHA
matrices were produced by dissolving chitin in 1-butyl-methylimidazolium acetate along with salt
and/or hydroxyapatite particles and then subsequent drying. The ChHA composite formed had
a heterogeneous porous microstructure with 65\%{\textendash}85\% porosity and pore sizes in the range
of 100{\textendash}300 {\textmu}m. The hydroxyapatite was found to be well distributed within the composite
structures and had a positive effect in the viability and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells, in
vitro. Our findings indicate that these ChHA matrices have potential applications in bone tissue
engineering.

}, keywords = {chitin, hydroxyapatite, ionic liquids, supercritical fluid technology}, doi = {10.1177/0883911513501595}, url = {http://jbc.sagepub.com/content/28/5/481}, author = {Silva, S. S. and Duarte, A. R. C. and Oliveira, J. M. and Mano, J. F. and Reis, R. L.} }