Ternary Bio-Nanostructured Systems Prepared under High Pressure Conditions

Abstract

Many researchers have assumed that a combination of hydroxyl apatite (HAP) and collagen (COL) may be the best solution for bone replacement and have prepared their composites by several techniques [1]. However, such HAP/COL composite had no nanostructure similar to bone, and consequently indicated no bone-like mechanical properties. These results demonstrate that the chemical composition similar to bone only is insufficient for bone metabolism and mechanical properties. Mechanical and biological performance of this type of materials could be improved by adding TiO2 within the initial mixture of nanostructured composites [2]. Ternary nanostructured systems consisting of hydroxyl apatite, TiO2 aerogel and collagen were prepared for the first time by hydrothermal procedure in high pressure conditions. Among many advantages, the synthesis method proposed in this paper could lead to formation of chemically bonded compounds as a consequence of high pressure conditions. The resulted material could find applications in bone tissue regenerative medicine, either in powder form for bone defects treatment, or in matrix form as osteoconductive coating for metal implants. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the osteoconductive properties.