RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this article was to prepare apatite-porous fibers composite through biominetic synthesis and to investigate its cytocompatibility.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Phosphate groups were incorporated into the surface of natural porous fiber-corncob by chemical modification. After precalcification, corncob was immersed into simulated body fluid. The surface of composite was observed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. Infant rat calvarias osteoblasts were isolated and expanded in vitro and the cells were seeded onto composite. Osteoblasts growth, proliferation and differentiation were assessed through SEM, MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Apatite crystal was formed on the surface of corncob after reaction. Cell adhered and spread well on the surface of the composite, having high abilities of proliferation and synthesis of ALP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is good compatibility between the osteoblast and apatite-porous fibers composite. This composite may serve as a potential biomaterial used in bone repair and regeneration.</p>