Biomimetic Materials for Bone Implants

Microstructure of Hydroxyapatite

Bone is one of the most frequently implanted tissues in the human body, second only behind blood. A simple and cost effective method has been developed to fabricate hydroxyapatite and biopolymer nanocomposites. Hydroxyapatite is obtained by simultaneous dropping of calcium containing solution and phosphate containing solution into a reaction vessel. Morphology studies show that the hydroxyapatite particles exhibit a plate-like morphology under certain pH and temperature conditions. Cell adhesion tests on the precipitated hydroxyapatite and collagen composites indicate that the composite has excellent biocompatibility. Current research is focused on the optimization of mechanical strength of the composite. Innovative processes have been developed to fabricate nacre-like ordered nanostructure in collaboration with a prestigious Chinese university (Tsing Hua University).