ABSTRACT
Hydoxyapatite (HA), the major constituent required for the development of bone scaffold, is derived from Labeo rohita fish scale bio-waste by thermal decomposition method. The fish scales are treated with 1(N) HCl solution for deproteinization, followed by calcination at 900°C to obtain HA. The synthesized HA is reinforced in Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix to fabricate composite bone scaffold by solvent casting particulate leaching technique, using NaCl as porogen. FTIR and XRD analysis confirm the presence of HA and PMMA in the developed scaffold. Highly porous surface with maximum pore size of 128±7.31 micron is observed from SEM analysis. The highest compressive strength of 4.33±0.37 MPa has been recorded by uni-axial compression test of the developed scaffold. The scaffold shows enhanced bioactive properties with the formation of bone-like apatite during in vitro bioactivity assessment with simulated body fluid (SBF). Moreover, 11±0.76% degradation is observed in the in vitro degradation test of the scaffold after 28 days of immersion in SBF solution. The properties achieved for the developed scaffold can meet the physiological demands to facilitate bone regeneration. The study will explore the possibility to develop value-added product from waste fish scale that in turn will help in the reduction of bio-waste.
