New insights into nanohydroxyapatite/chitosan nanocomposites for bone tissue regeneration

Abstract The chapter comprises a compilation of the latest main achievements that have been published on hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based nanocomposite materials, focusing on the combination of HAp with CS. It includes fundamental definitions about HAp and CS, their chemistry and structure–properties relationship. A new and different perspective is given by analyzing the mechanisms that allow them both HAp and CS, to promote bone regeneration. A market research is also included, consisting of a compilation of biological and synthetic bone grafts commercially available. Finally, an overview of methods for the preparation of the nanohydroxyapatite/CS nanocomposite materials (microparticles and scaffolds) is included in which the productive process is described according to the main applied steps, without neglecting purification and sterilization.