Surface characterization and cytocompatibility of three chitosan/polycation composite membranes for guided bone regeneration

Guided bone regeneration is a promising surgical procedure for reconstructing bone defects. In this study, three chitosan/polycation composite membranes for guided bone regeneration are produced by blending chitosan with poly-L-lysine, polyethyleneimine, and poly-L-ornithine. For all composite membranes, the surface characteristics including surface topography, chemistry, and wettability are examined by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle assay. Their cytocompatibility is also evaluated with MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells at cell, protein, and gene levels through cell biology assays, western blot, and RT-PCR analysis. On chitosan/poly-L-lysine composite membrane, MC3T3-E1 cells present well-developed cytoskeletal organization and significantly higher adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation than those on chitosan and the other two composite membranes. Furthermore, MC3T3-E1 cells on chitosan/poly-L-lysine membrane exhibit increased phosphorylation levels of focal adhesion kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and achieve an enhanced mRNA expression of fibronectin, Runx 2, RhoA, integrin alpha 5, and integrin beta1. From our results, we conclude that chitosan/ poly-L-lysine composite membrane possesses improved cytocompatibility with osteoblasts when compared to chitosan and holds potential for guided bone regeneration in the near future.     

Relationships among cell attachment, spreading, cytoskeletal organization, and migration rate for anchorage-dependent cells on model surfaces

Many research and commercial applications use a synthetic substrate which is seeded with cells in a serum-containing medium. The surface properties of the material influence the composition of the adsorbed protein layer, which subsequently regulates a variety of cell behaviors such as attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In this study, we examined the relationships among cell attachment, spreading, cytoskeletal organization, and migration rate for MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on glass surfaces modified with -SO(x), -NH(2), -N(+)(CH(3))(3), -SH, and -CH(3) terminal silanes. We also studied the relationship between cell spread area and migration rate for a variety of anchorage-dependent cell types on a model polymeric biomaterial, poly(acrylonitrile-vinylchloride). Our results indicated that MC3T3-E1 osteoblast behavior was surface chemistry dependent, and varied with individual functional groups rather than general surface properties such as wettability. In addition, cell migration rate was inversely related to cell spread area for MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on a variety of silane-modified surfaces as well as for different anchorage-dependent cell types on a model polymeric biomaterial. Furthermore, the data revealed significant differences in migration rate among different cell types on a common polymeric substrate, suggesting that cell type-specific differences must be considered when using, selecting, or designing a substrate for research and therapeutic applications.     

Poly(L-lactide) crystallization topography directs MC3T3-E1 cells response

Biomaterial surface topography significantly influences cellular form and function. Using poly(L-lactic acid) films with normal spherulites, banded spherulites, and amorphous surfaces as model substrates, we conducted a systematic assessment of the role for polymer crystallization induced surface morphologies on cell growth and contact guidance. Microscopy and image analysis showed that the MC3T3-E1 cells spread out in a random fashion on the amorphous substrate. At 24 h post-seeding, MC3T3-E1 cells on both types of spherulite surfaces were elongated and aligned along the spherulite radius direction. For the banded spherulite surface with radial stripes and coupling annular grooves, the cell orientation and cell nuclear localization were related to the grooves structure. With increasing time, this orientation preference was weaker. These results demonstrate that the patterning of polymer crystallization structure provide important signals for guiding cells to exhibit characteristic orientation and morphology especially in the early stages of regeneration.     

纳米壳聚糖对MC3T3-E1成骨细胞生长的影响

背景：已有体内急性毒理实验证实,壳聚糖纳米微囊的半数致死量高于2 000 mg/kg,但其具体致病机制目前尚不明确。 目的：分析纳米壳聚糖作为骨替代材料对MC3T3-E1成骨细胞生长及大鼠肝、肾等器官生理功能的影响。 方法：将MC3T3-E1成骨细胞分别在含0(对照)、10 mg/L、100 mg/L、1 g/L、10 g/L纳米壳聚糖的DMEM培养液中培养,检测各组细胞A值。透射电镜观察10 g/L纳米壳聚糖溶液培养MC3T3-E1成骨细胞24 h后的细胞形态变化。采用PBS制备10 g/L纳米壳聚糖悬浮液,分别以166.67,16.67 mg/kg经腹腔注射至SD大鼠体内4周,每周3次,正常对照组注射等量生理盐水,血清生化指标分析大鼠肝、肾功能,病理切片观察组织形态学改变、炎症细胞浸润情况。 结果与结论：与对照组比较,10 mg/L、100 mg/L、1 g/L、10 g/L的纳米壳聚糖溶液均抑制MC3T3-E1细胞的生长(P < 0.05)。透射电镜见团聚的壳聚糖存在于MC3T3-E1细胞浆中,细胞表面的伪足形成,细胞膜呈波浪状起伏,细胞核变性、碎裂及固缩。与正常对照组比较,注射纳米壳聚糖悬浮液两组大鼠血尿素氮、Na+水平均有明显升高(P < 0.05),高剂量组K+水平明显降低(P < 0.01);肝脏、肾脏均出现组织细胞凋亡现象,高剂量组凋亡更加明显。表明纳米壳聚糖可导致细胞凋亡,超过一定剂量可造成肾功能受损,对机体生理功能造成影响。     

Thermoresponsive terpolymeric films applicable for osteoblastic cell growth and noninvasive cell sheet harvesting

A novel multifunctional linear block copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid)-b-poly( L-lactic acid) (NAL), was synthesized to expand the concept of cell sheet engineering by using its thermoresponsive property and processibility. The chemical structure of synthesized NAL was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and its molar mass (103,500 g.mol(-1)) and molar mass distribution were determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. NAL copolymer was fabricated into thin films by spin-casting. Spin-cast NAL films displayed thermoresponsive properties as demonstrated by surface wettability and topology changes from relatively more hydrophobic (contact angle of 56 degrees) and rougher at 37 degrees C to relatively more hydrophilic (contact angle of 40 degrees) and smoother at 22 degrees C, as assessed by contact angle measurement and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells displayed comparable adhesion but slower proliferation on NAL films than on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films and tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Within 9 days of cell culture, the highest alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 cells occurred later (on day 9) on NAL films than on PLLA films and TCPS (on day 6). A well-established MC3T3-E1 cell sheet was successfully detached from NAL films, in the absence of enzymes, within about 5 min by simply lowering the temperature from 37 degrees C to room temperature. NAL copolymer has potential for use in the controlled release of therapeutic agents while simultaneously supporting cell growth. In addition, it may be applicable for noninvasive two- or three-dimensional cell sheet harvesting.     

Grooves affect primary bone marrow but not osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell cultures

To elucidate the influence of microtextures on bone cell performance, primary adult rat bone marrow cells (RBMC) and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on tissue culture pretreated plates to which grooves at different density were applied. RBMC cells were found to be significantly affected by grooves in the substratum in contrast to osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, taking culture morphology, total cell number, cell mass, and cell activity (MTT-dehydrogenase), parameter for differentiation of osteoblast progenitor cells into (pre-)osteoblasts (alkalinephosphatase activity, ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity as indices. TRAP is located in lysosomes and secretory granules mainly although not solely in osteoclasts. By applying grooves to and/or by chemical treatment of unpretreated pure polysterene plates it could be concluded that the effects on RBMC cells were evoked not only by the presence of grooves but also by the surface chemistry of the grooved and ungrooved surface areas.     

Nanoscale characterization of acid and thermally treated collagen fibrils

Type I collagen is a major extracellular matrix component and its hierarchical structure plays an essential role in the regulation of cellular behavior. Here, we have analyzed the changes in the morphological, chemical, and mechanical properties of collagen fibrils induced by acidic and thermal treatments and the influence on the cellular response of MC3T3-E1 cells. Morphological changes induced by the disintegration of the fibrillar structure of collagen were observed using atomic force microscopy. The changes in the surface chemistry due to the disassembly of native collagen fibrils were observed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). ToF-SIMS spectra were very sensitive to changes in the molecular configuration of the collagen fibrils induced by acidic and thermal treatments due to the extreme surface specificity. In addition, ToF-SIMS showed clear and reproducible changes in the surface amino acid composition corresponding to the acidic and thermal treatments of collagen fibrils. Based on the quantitative map of surface elastic modulus measured by contact-resonance force microscopy, acid and thermally treated collagen showed a lower elastic modulus than native collagen fibrils. Compared with native collagen fibrils, reduced cell spreading and decreased viability of MC3T3-E1 cells were observed on both the acid and thermally treated collagen.     

MC3T3-E1细胞与多组分纳米羟基磷灰石基三维复合支架材料的相容性

目的 观察MC3T3-E1细胞在复合支架材料上的黏附、增殖及形态,评价多组分纳米羟基磷灰石基三维复合支架材料的生物相容性.方法 采用仿生学方法,将壳聚糖、羟基磷灰石、明胶、果胶按照一定比例制作成多组分纳米羟基磷灰石基三维复合支架材料.在复合支架材料上接种MC3T3-E1细胞,通过倒置相差显微镜、HE染色、扫描电镜、四甲...     

Fabrication of chitosan/hydroxylapatite composite rods with a layer-by-layer structure for fracture fixation

A composite rod for fracture fixation using chitosan (CHI)/hydroxylapatite (HA) was prepared by means of in situ precipitation, which had a layer-by-layer structure, good mechanical properties, and cell compatibilities. The CHI/HA composite rods were precipitated from the chitosan solution with calcium and phosphorus precursors, followed by treatment with a tripolyphosphate-trisodium phosphate solution (pH >13) to crosslink the CHI and to hydrolyze the calcium phosphates to nanocrystalline HA. The results of FTIR, XRD, and TEM measurements confirmed that HA had been formed within the CHI matrix. The effects of the CHI/HA ratios (20/0, 20/1, 20/2, 20/4, and 20/5, w/w) on the mechanical properties were investigated. At the CHI/HA ratio of 20/4 (w/w), the bending strength and modulus of the rods were 133 MPa and 6.8 GPa, respectively. Pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in an extract of the CHI/HA rods (20/4, w/w) to study the cell compatibilities of the composite. The observations indicated that the CHI/HA composite could promote the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells better than the composite without HA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the co-cultivation of the cells and the CHI/HA composite showed that cells fully spread on the surface of the composite with an obvious cytoskeleton organization, which also revealed that the CHI/HA composite had a good biocompatibility.     

Osteoblast adhesion and matrix mineralization on sol-gel-derived titanium oxide

The biological events occurring at the bone-implant interface are influenced by the topography, chemistry and wettability of the implant surface. The surface properties of titanium alloy prepared by either surface sol-gel processing (SSP), or by passivation with nitric acid, were investigated systematically using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and contact angle metrology. The bioreactivity of the substrates was assessed by evaluating MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell adhesion, as well as by in vitro formation of mineralized matrix. Surface analysis of sol-gel-derived oxide on Ti6Al4V substrates showed a predominantly titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) composition with abundant hydroxyl groups. The surface was highly wettable, rougher and more porous compared to that of the passivated substrate. Significantly more cells adhered to the sol-gel-coated surface, as compared with passivated surfaces, at 1 and 24h following cell seeding, and a markedly greater number of mineralized nodules were observed on sol-gel coatings. Collectively our results show that the surface properties of titanium alloy can be modified by SSP to enhance the bioreactivity of this biomaterial.     

Interactions between MC3T3-E1 cells and textured Ti6Al4V surfaces

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the interactions between MC3T3-E1 (mouse calvarian) cells and textured Ti6Al4V surfaces, including surfaces produced by laser microgrooving; blasting with alumina particles; and polishing. The multiscale interactions between MC3T3-E1 cells and these textured surfaces are studied using a combination of optical scanning transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The potential cytotoxic effects of microchemistry on cell-surface interactions also are considered in studies of cell spreading and orientation over 9-day periods. These studies show that cells on microgrooved Ti6Al4V geometries that are 8 or 12 microm deep undergo contact guidance and limited cell spreading. Similar contact guidance is observed on the surfaces of diamond-polished surfaces on which nanoscale grooves are formed due to the scratching that occurs during polishing. In contrast, random cell orientations are observed on alumina-blasted Ti6Al4V surfaces. The possible effects of surface topography are discussed for scar-tissue formation and improved cell-surface integration.     

Osteoblast-like cell adhesion on porous silicon-incorporated TiO2 coating prepared by micro-arc oxidation

Silicon-incorporated TiO(2) coating (Si-TiO(2) ) was prepared on titanium (Ti) by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique in the Ca, P, Si-containing electrolyte. The surface topography, phase, and element composition of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), respectively. Osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on the surface of the coatings to evaluate their adhesion behavior. The obtained results showed that Si element was successfully incorporated into the porous TiO(2) coating, which did not alter apparently the surface topography and phase composition of the coating. The adhesion of the MC3T3-E1 cells on Si-incorporated TiO(2) coating was significantly enhanced compared with the Si-free TiO(2) coating and pure Ti plates. In addition, the enhanced cell adhesion may at least partly be mediated by integrin β1-FAK signal transduction pathway. The present work suggests that the Si-TiO(2) coating is worth further consideration for orthopedic implant applications.     

Tmed2促进体外小鼠前成骨细胞MC3T3-E1增殖

 摘要：目的 研究Tmed2基因对小鼠前成骨细胞增殖的影响。 方法 1.分别在小鼠MC3T3-E1细胞中过表达和抑制Tmed2,检测细胞增殖情况。2. 用雌激素处理细胞后,检测细胞的增殖及Tmed2基因的表达量。荧光实时定量PCR检测mRNA水平,MTS法检测细胞活力和增殖,流式细胞术检测细胞周期,Western blot法检测蛋白水平。结果 过表达Tmed2使MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖速度加快,细胞周期中S期细胞比例明显增加,且Cyclin A 的表达升高。而抑制Tmed2基因表达使MC3T3-E1细胞的增殖速度减慢。雌激素处理使细胞增殖速度加快的同时,Tmed2基因的表达显著增高。结论 Tmed2通过上调Cyclin A 的表达,使S期细胞比例增加,加快小鼠前成骨细胞MC3T3-E1的增殖。此外,Tmed2的表达受雌激素的调控,可能参与雌激素促进MC3T3-E1细胞增殖的作用。     

周期性机械牵拉通过上调Runx2表达促进MC3T3-E1细胞迁移

目的 探究周期性牵拉对小鼠胚胎成骨细胞MC3T3-E1迁移功能的影响及其相关机制。方法 使用应变加载系统对体外培养的MC3T3-E1细胞施加15%幅度的牵拉,模拟细胞体内受力情况。使用划痕愈合实验检测MC3T3-E1细胞的迁移功能,使用蛋白免疫印迹法检测Runx2表达情况,使用RNA干扰技术特异性降低Runx2表达量。结果 幅度15%、频率1.25 Hz、持续24 h的周期性机械牵拉可以促进MC3T3-E1细胞的迁移,升高细胞内Runx2表达水平。在静态培养条件下,干扰Runx2能抑制MC3T3-E1细胞的迁移。干扰MC3T3-E1细胞中Runx2表达可以部分降低机械牵拉对细胞迁移的促进效应。结论 周期性牵拉可以促进MC3T3-E1细胞的迁移,在此过程中Runx2可能发挥重要作用。研究结果为寻找促进骨折愈合的创新临床治疗方法提供实验依据。     

Dissolution behavior and in vitro evaluation of sputtered hydroxyapatite films subject to a low temperature hydrothermal treatment

Hydroxyapatite (HA) was coated onto titanium substrates using radio frequency sputtering. Some of the as-sputtered films were hydrothermally recrystallized at 110 degrees C. In immersion tests, the as-sputtered film completely dissolved after 2 days in a culture medium, whereas the thickness of hydrothermally treated films increased with an increase in immersion period, reaching a thickness of 127% after a period of 4 weeks. The proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells on the as-sputtered and hydrothermally treated films were investigated, and the cell morphology was also observed using scanning electron microscopy. The proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on the as-sputtered films was suppressed, whereas proliferation on the hydrothermally treated films was comparable to that on control and titanium substrate. The suppression of cell proliferation is associated with an increase in pH of the culture medium caused by dissolution of the as-sputtered film. After a 96-h culture time, the ALP activity of the cells on the hydrothermally treated film was higher than that on the control, titanium substrate, and as-sputtered film samples. From scanning electron microscopic observations, it was found that the MC3T3-E1 cells on the hydrothermally treated films were elongated and had established more intricate filopodia networks with each other, which were also observed for MC3T3-E1 cells on the as-sputtered films after a period of 24 h.     

Txndc5介导雌激素诱导的小鼠前成骨细胞MC3T3-E1增殖加快

 目的 研究Txndc5基因在小鼠前成骨细胞增殖中的作用。 方法 用雌激素诱导小鼠前成骨细胞系MC3T3-E1,或在MC3T3-E1细胞中分别用质粒载体过表达Txndc5和用siRNA抑制Txndc5的表达后,Western blot检测Txndc5和细胞周期蛋白水平,荧光实时定量PCR检测Cyclin A的mRNA水平,MTS法和细胞计数法检测细胞增殖速度,流式细胞术检测细胞周期。 结果 雌激素诱导MC3T3-E1增殖加快时,Txndc5的蛋白水平亦上升。抑制Txndc5的表达阻止雌激素的促细胞增殖作用。过表达Txndc5使MC3T3-E1细胞增殖速度加快,S期细胞比例增加,同步化细胞进入细胞周期18h时,过表达Txndc5组Cyclin A 的表达升高,且S期细胞比例为18.69%±4.08%,而对照组仅为8.15%±3.68%。抑制Txndc5的表达则使MC3T3-E1细胞增殖速度减慢,S期细胞比例减少,Cyclin A 的表达下降。抑制Cyclin A的表达减弱Txndc5的促细胞增殖作用。结论 Txndc5通过上调Cyclin A 的表达介导雌激素的促前成骨细胞增殖作用。     

Quantitative analysis of osteoblast behavior on microgrooved hydroxyapatite and titanium substrata

The effects of implant surface topography and chemistry on osteoblast behavior have been a research focus because of their potential importance in orthopedic and dental applications. This work focused on the topographic effects of hydroxyapatite (HA) and titanium (Ti) surface that had identical micropatterns to determine whether there was synergistic interaction between surface chemistry and surface topography. Surface microgrooves with six different groove widths (4, 8, 16, 24, 30, and 38 microm) and three different groove depths (2, 4, and 10 microm) were made on single crystalline silicon wafers using microfabrication techniques. Ti and HA thin films were coated on the microgrooves by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. After that, human osteoblast-like cells were seeded and cultured on the microgrooved surfaces for up to 7 days. The cells' behavior was examined using scanning electron microscopy after cells were fixed and dehydrated. Statistical analysis was based on quantitative data of orientation angle, evaluating the contact guidance, and form index, describing cell shape or cell morphology changes. The contact guidance and cell shape changes were observed on the HA and Ti microgrooves. No difference in orientation angle between HA and Ti microgrooves was found. This might suggest that surface chemistry was not a significant influence on cell guidance. However, the form index analysis indicated an interaction between topographic effects and surface chemistry. Thus, conclusions about surface topographic effects on cell behavior drawn from one type of material cannot simply be applied to another type of material.     

Exposed hydroxyapatite particles on the surface of photo-crosslinked nanocomposites for promoting MC3T3 cell proliferation and differentiation

We present a systematic study for investigating the role of exposed hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles in influencing surface characteristics and mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell behavior using nanocomposites prepared by photo-crosslinking poly(ε-caprolactone) diacrylate (PCLDA) with HA. PCLDA530 and PCLDA2000 synthesized from poly(ε-caprolactone) diol precursors with nominal molecular weights of 530 and 2000 g mol(-1) were used as the polymer matrices. Crosslinked PCLDA530 was amorphous while crosslinked PCLDA2000 was semi-crystalline. Crosslinked PCLDA/HA composites with different compositions of HA (10%, 20% and 30%) as well as crosslinked PCLDAs were characterized in terms of their composition-dependent physicochemical properties. The tensile, compressive and shear moduli were greatly enhanced by incorporating HA nanoparticles with the polymer matrices. The disk surfaces of original crosslinked PCLDA/HA nanocomposites were removed by cutting using a blade to expose HA nanoparticles that were embedded in the polymer substrates. The composition of HA was much higher on the cut surface, particularly in semi-crystalline crosslinked PCLDA2000/HA nanocomposites. The surface characteristics of original and cut crosslinked PCLDA/HA nanocomposites were compared and correlated with cell behavior on these nanocomposites. MC3T3-E1 cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation were significantly enhanced when the HA composition was increased in original crosslinked PCLDA/HA nanocomposites due to more bioactive HA, higher surface stiffness and rougher topography. More exposed HA on the surface of cut semi-crystalline PCLDA2000/HA nanocomposites resulted in improved hydrophilicity and significantly better MC3T3 cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation compared with the original surfaces. This study suggests that HA nanoparticles may not be fully exploited in polymer/HA nanocomposites where the top polymer surface covers the particles. The removal of this polymer layer can generate more desirable surfaces and osteoconductivity for bone repair and regeneration.     

Gel microstructure regulates proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells encapsulated in alginate beads

For cell transplantation into damaged tissues, viable cells must be delivered to the defect site in a suitable carrier. However, the hypoxic and nutrient-limited environment in the carrier can induce massive cell death. The aims of this study were to increase the viability and regulate the behavior of osteoprogenitor cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogels through control of the gel microstructure. Cell survivability in alginate beads was improved through the use of α-MEM as the solvent for alginic acid sodium salt, and by CaCl(2) solutions, which supplied additional nutrients for the cells compared to water or buffer. The mesh size and shear modulus of the hydrogel were hypothesized to regulate proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. MC3T3-E1 cells demonstrated enhanced osteoblast differentiation when encapsulated in high-density alginate with smaller mesh size and more rigid mechanical properties, as confirmed by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin secretion. However, MC3T3-E1 cells encapsulated in low-density alginate beads with a larger mesh size and more compliant mechanical properties exhibited increased proliferation. These results demonstrate that the microstructure of alginate hydrogels can regulate the behavior of osteoprogenitor cells, thus suggesting that the tuning the properties of the gel may be a useful approach for enhancing new bone formation.     

Preparation and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan composite scaffolds

A novel nano-hydroxyapatite (HA)/chitosan composite scaffold with high porosity was developed. The nano-HA particles were made in situ through a chemical method and dispersed well on the porous scaffold. They bound to the chitosan scaffolds very well. This method prevents the migration of nano-HA particles into surrounding tissues to a certain extent. The morphologies, components, and biocompatibility of the composite scaffolds were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, porosity measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the composite scaffolds. The biocompatibility was assessed by examining the proliferation and morphology of MC 3T3-E1 cells seeded on the scaffolds. The composite scaffolds showed better biocompatibility than pure chitosan scaffolds. The results suggest that the newly developed nano-HA/chitosan composite scaffolds may serve as a good three-dimensional substrate for cell attachment and migration in bone tissue engineering.