Cationic Coacervates: Novel Phosphate Ionic Reservoir for the Mineralization of Calcium Phosphates

Cationic complex coacervates are contemplated for various medical applications controlling carrier or release processes. Here, lower M_w poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (15 kg/mol) and (hydrogen)phosphate as cross-linking units were chosen to facilitate a sufficient coacervation and subsequently a controllable phosphate release, essential for consecutive mineralization reactions. In addition, the rheological characteristics of the obtained coacervates were assessed, exhibiting a pronounced liquid character, which enables beneficial properties toward remineralization applications such as high wettability and moldability. In light of our results, macroscopic hydrogels are considered for the first time as an ion source for the mineralization of crystalline calcium phosphate phases, representing an entirely new class of preceding mineralization species for potential applications in dentistry and osteology.