Preparation and Characterization of Demineralized Bone Extracellular Matrix/Chitosan Porous Microcarriers

Composite porous microcarriers based on demineralized bone extracellular matrix (DBECM) and chitosan (Cs) were prepared using a combined emulsion and freeze-drying method. The effects of digestion by pepsin on the DBECM properties were investigated. The morphologies and porous structure of the DBECM/Cs porous microcarriers were observed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cytocompatibility of the DBECM/Cs porous microcarriers were studied by using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and calcein acetoxymethyl ester/propidium iodide (CAM/PI). DBECM was digested into small pieces with a loose porous sponge structure and the digested DBECM showed an amorphous state. The resultant DBECM/Cs porous microcarriers showed a spherical shape and an interconnective porous structure. The CCK-8 and CAM/PI analyses indicated that the DBECM/Cs porous microcarriers were non-cytotoxic and showed good biocompatibility, providing a more favorable growth environment for cells.