Abstract: Objective To investigate the ultra-microstructure,physical characteristics and biocompatibility of the man-made porous chitosan(CS)-gelatin(Gel)/β-tricalcium(β-TCP) complex,so as to explore the feasibility of the complex as cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds.Methods The CS-Gel/β-TCP sponges were prepared by freezing and lyophilizing taking water as the hole-making agent.The ultra-microstructure was observed with scanning electron microscope.The compress strength and modulus were determined by omnipotent material-testing machine.The complex was subcutaneously imbedded in the rabbit to observe the biodegradability and biocompatibility.Results The solid content of the mixed solution,the affix quantity of β-TCP and the preliminary freeze temperature play the decisive role of the hole structure of the scaffold complex.The compress strength and modulus of the scaffold improved significantly with the affix quantity of β-TCP increased.And the mechanical function reduced when preliminary freeze temperature lowered.Immunological rejection was observed on early stage after embedded.Then the scaffold degraded,and was absorbed at 12 weeks.Conclusion The CS-Gel/β-TCP complex scaffold has a 3-D network structure with high porosity,good mechanical function and good biocompatibility.It may be regarded as one of the important cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds with latent value.

Key words: Tissue engineering, Scaffold, Chitosan, Gelatin, Beta-tricalcium phosphate, Mechanical function, Biocompatibility