Abstract
To simulate the process of calcification in hydrogel implants, particularly calcification inside hydrogels, in vitro experiments using two compartment permeation cells have been performed. PHEMA hydrogel membranes were synthesized by free radical polymerization in bulk. The permeability and diffusion coefficient for Ca 2+ ions at 37 °C were determined using Fick's laws of diffusion. It was evident that Ca 2+ ions either from CaCl 2 or SBF solutions may diffuse through PHEMA hydrogel membranes. The formation of calcium phosphate deposits inside the hydrogel was observed and attributed to a heterogeneous nucleation from diffusing calcium and phosphate ions. The morphology of the deposits both on the surface and inside the hydrogels was found to be similar, i.e. spherical aggregates with a diameter of less than one micron.
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