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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 3193-3201 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2008 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Biophysics
- Bioengineering
- Biomaterials
- Biomedical Engineering