title: Hybrid structure in PCL-HAp scaffold resulting from biomimetic  apatite growth.
abstract: Polymer-ceramic composites are favourite candidates when aiming to replace bone tissue. We present here scaffolds made of polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite (PCL-HAp) composites, and investigate in vitro mineralisation of the scaffolds in SBF after or without a nucleation treatment. In vitro bioactivity is enhanced by HAp incorporation as well as by nucleation treatment, as demonstrated by simulated body fluid (SBF) mineralization. Surprisingly, we obtained a hybrid interconnected organic-inorganic structure, as a result of micropore invasion by biomimetic apatite, which results in a mechanical strengthening of the material after two weeks of immersion in SBF92. The presented scaffolds, due to their multiple qualities, are expected to be valuable supports for bone tissue engineering.
authors.affiliation: CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Valencia, Spain. myle1@doctor.upv.es
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lebourg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Suay Antón
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gomez Ribelles
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D001031:Apatites / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D032701:Biomimetics; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000502:physiology; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D019245:Compressive Strength; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008422:Materials Testing; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016062:Porosity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001031:Apatites; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C016240:polycaprolactone; D017886:Durapatite