Abstract: Objective To construct novel 3-D composite bionic network and evaluate the histocompatibility . Methods The novel 3-D composite bionic network was prepared from chitosan, hydroxyapatite, gelatin and pectin in certain ratio by biomimtic approach, which was co-cultured with MC3T3-E1. The cell compatibility was studied by using inverted phase contrast microscope, routine paraffin section staining, scanning electron microscopy and F-DA staining. The resultant scaffold material was implanted into the dorsal subcutaneous space of SD rats. The histocompatibility, blood vessel capabilities and the degradation of the material were observed 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Results The structure of novel 3-D composite bionic network was three-dimensional and porous. The cells attached on scaffolds attached and grew well with polygonal or fusiform form. It was found that inflammatory reactions were alleviated gradually in the early stage . There was an increasing angiogenesis at late stage. Materials degraded and absorbed more slowly. Conclusion The present study suggests that the novel 3-D composite bionic network has good histocompatibility with easy vascularization, and will be a candidate scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Key words: neovascularization, physiologic, histocompatibility, tissue engineering, chitosan, 3-D composite bionic network