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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
Enhanced osteogenicity of bioactive composites with biomimetic treatment
Ville V Meretoja1, Teemu Tirri1, Minna Malin2
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland ; Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4B, 20520 Turku, Finland.
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore if initiation of biomimetic apatite nucleation can be used to enhance osteoblast response to biodegradable tissue regeneration composite membranes.
Materials And Methods:
Bioactive thermoplastic composites consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone/DL-lactide) and bioactive glass (BAG) were prepared at different stages of biomimetic calcium phosphate deposition by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The modulation of the BAG dissolution and the osteogenic response of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were analyzed.
Results:
SBF treatment resulted in a gradual calcium phosphate deposition on the composites and decreased BAG reactivity in the subsequent cell cultures. Untreated composites and composites covered by thick calcium phosphate layer (14 days in SBF) expedited MSC mineralization in comparison to neat polymers without BAG, whereas other osteogenic markers--alkaline phosphatase activity, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin expression--were initially decreased. In contrast, surfaces with only small calcium phosphate aggregates (five days in SBF) had similar early response than neat polymers but still demonstrated enhanced mineralization.
Conclusion:
A short biomimetic treatment enhances osteoblast response to bioactive composite membranes.

