A process for producing a collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffoldcomprises the steps of forming a homogenous suspension of collagen and HA in anacidic solution, lyophilising the suspension at a constant cooling rate untila desired final freezing temperature is reached to produce the composite scaffold,wherein the ratio of HA to collagen is at least 1 : 10 (w/w). Also provided is a collagen/hydroxyapatite(HA) composite scaffold comprising a homogenous distribution of hydroxyapatitewithin a porous, collagen matrix, wherein the ratio of HA to collagen is at least1 : 10 (w/w). Suitably, the composite scaffold has a porosity of at least 99% (v/v),and a compressive stiffness of at least 0.3KPa. Composite scaffolds of the inventionmay be used to provide osteoconductive bone implants, tissue engineering implants,maxillofacial bone graft substitute, dental bone graft substitute, cartilagedefect repair implant and osteochondral defect repair implant.
