Impact of cellulose / hydroxyapatite composites on liver cells and skeletal muscle

Abstract

Polymer-based scaffolds with immobilised hydroxyapatite particles are among the most extensively studied materials for bone tissue regeneration. In this study, cellulose-based scaffolds with immobilised nanohydroxyapatite and microhydroxyapatite particles were prepared and analysed by micro-computed tomography. The scaffolds contained non-symmetrical interconnected pores. The porosity of the cellulose/nanohydroxyapatite and the cellulose/microhydroxyapatite scaffolds was 72% and 66%, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the cellulose-based scaffolds to hepatocytes and skeletal muscle tissue was evaluated. The results showed that the nanohydroxyapatite and the cellulose scaffolds containing nanoparticles reduced liver cell viability and increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase. Moreover, the scaffolds containing nanohydroxyapatite particles caused cell plasma membrane damage that was manifested by significantly reduced insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis in liver cells and glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells. Controversially, microhydroxyapatite and the cellulose/microhydroxyapatite scaffolds had no deteriorating effect on cell survival, plasma membrane damage and glucose metabolism.