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Published on: October 26, 2016
Modification of hydroxyapatite/gelatin nanocomposite using polyacrylamide
Myung Chul Chang1, Uk-Kyu Kim, William H Douglas
1Department of Restorative Science (MDRCBB), School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, 16-212 Moos Tower, 515 Delaware Street E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0329, USA. chang083@umn.edu
This study developed a tough hydroxyapatite (HAp)/gelatin (GEL) macrocomposite using mineralized polyacrylamide (PAM). Cross-linking with glutaraldehyde prevented cracking in water, enhancing material stability for potential biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and gelatin (GEL) are widely used in bone tissue engineering.
- Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a synthetic polymer with tunable properties.
- Developing robust HAp/GEL/PAM composites requires addressing water-induced degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel HAp/GEL/PAM macrocomposite.
- To investigate the effect of PAM mineralization on HAp crystal growth.
- To evaluate the water stability and mechanical properties of the macrocomposite, particularly after cross-linking.
Main Methods:
- Solution-precipitation method using Ca(OH)2 and H3PO4 for PAM mineralization.
- Fabrication of HAp/GEL and HAp/PAM nanocomposites.
- Preparation of the macrocomposite by mixing the nanocomposites.
- Immersion testing in water before and after cross-linking with glutaraldehyde.
- Assessment of crystal growth and mechanical integrity.
Main Results:
- PAM mineralization influenced HAp crystal growth from amorphous-like nanocrystalline to crystalline.
- HAp/PAM nanocomposites cracked upon water immersion, but glutaraldehyde cross-linking prevented this.
- The HAp/GEL and HAp/PAM macrocomposites exhibited good toughness but cracked in water.
- Cross-linking the macrocomposite with glutaraldehyde significantly improved water stability, preventing cracking.
Conclusions:
- Mineralized PAM can be integrated into HAp/GEL macrocomposites.
- Glutaraldehyde cross-linking is crucial for enhancing the water stability of these HAp/GEL/PAM macrocomposites.
- The developed cross-linked macrocomposite shows promise for applications requiring durable biomaterials.
