Polyester fibers can be rendered calcium phosphate-binding by surface functionalization with bisphosphonate groups.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Bioceramics

Background:

• Fiber reinforcement enhances material mechanical properties by dissipating energy.
• Effective fiber reinforcement relies heavily on the fiber-matrix interface.
• Poor interface design significantly reduces the efficacy of fiber reinforcement in brittle matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile method for controlling the affinity between biocompatible fibers and calcium-containing matrices.
• To maximize the reinforcement efficacy of calcium phosphates-based bioceramics using polymeric fibers.
• To improve the interface between polyester fibers and calcium phosphate bioceramics.

Main Methods:

• Produced polyester fibers of tunable length via electrospinning and aminolysis.
• Covalently attached alendronate, a bisphosphonate molecule with high calcium-binding affinity, to the fiber surfaces.
• Achieved selective control over the amount of alendronate conjugation on the fibers.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a versatile approach to control fiber-matrix affinity.
• Successfully improved the affinity of polyester fibers toward calcium phosphate bioceramics.
• Enhanced fiber reinforcement efficacy through improved interfacial adhesion.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method enables precise control over fiber-matrix interactions.
• Alendronate conjugation effectively enhances the reinforcement of bioceramics.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing advanced composite biomaterials.