Formation of composites comprised of calcium deficient HAp and cross-linked gelatin

Ahmed H. Touny, Cato Laurencin, Lakshmi Nair, Harry Allcock, Paul W. Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cross-linked gelatin/calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHAp) composites were prepared at or near physiologic temperature. α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) or a mixture of tetracalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate were used as CDHAp precursors. Glutaraldehyde was used to cross-link the gelatin fibers. CDHAp formation reached completion in the presence of cross-linked gelatin fibers. Effects of cross-linking concentrations, proportions of gelatin fiber, molecular weight of gelatin and the temperature of the hydration reaction on the formation of CDHAp were studied. Cross-linked gelatin acts as a nucleating agent for CDHAp formation. The pH variations during CDHAp formation are lower at the onset of the reactions in the presence of cross-linked gelatin fibers. Although cross-linked gelatin fibers enhance CDHAp formation their composites have low mechanical strengths. Swelling of gelatin appears to be a major factor that limits the strengths of the CDHAp/cross-linked gelatin composites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3193-3201
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
Volume19
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biophysics
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Formation of composites comprised of calcium deficient HAp and cross-linked gelatin'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this