Biodegradable composites based on nanocrystalline calcium phosphate and bioresorbable polymers

Abstract

Nanocrystalline calcium phosphates (NC CP) are suitable for the synthesis of CP/bioresorbable polymer composite biomaterials for the application in bone engineering. There are different forms of NC CP/ bioresorbable polymers composite biomaterials. Calcium phosphate was synthesised in highly NC form. A NC calcium phosphate/ poly-DL-lactide-co-glycolide (CP/DLPLG) composite biomaterial in filler forms was synthesised in the shape of spherical granules (150-200 μm in diameter) and nanoparticles (30-40 nm in diameter). Each CP granule or nanoparticle was coated with amorphous DLPLG polymer. Using NC and nanosized CP/DLPLG composite materials, an injectable composite biomaterial was prepared. By hot pressing of highly porous NC CP/ bioresorbable polymer composite biomaterials at the polymer's melting temperature, blocks were obtained with relatively uniform distribution of phases. Designing of the properties of CP/bioresorbable polymers composite biomaterial block was provided by combining high pressure, temperature and time. © 2008 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.