Bio compatible ---a chalenge

Development of experimental processes for the synthesis of biocompatible surfaces that would induce and support mineral growth is important not only from a fundamental point of view but also in biomedical applications such as bone implants/grafting in bone surgery and manufacture of artificial tissues. Calcium phosphate and carbonate minerals are classified as bioactive ceramics and have been widely used for the reconstruction of bone defects.


In bone implant applications, inorganic composites, mainly made of hydroxyapatite ceramics, have attracted a geat deal of attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and bioaffinity
However, there are critical limitations in applying the hydroxyapatites to real systems because of its poor mechanical properties, such as strength and fracture toughness. Consequently, the
use of porous hydroxyapatite has been restricted to the powders, granules, and non-load-bearing small parts.


Membranes of gold nanoparticles in a polymeric background for mineral growth :

The first is that polymeric membranes would be simple to handle and sculpt to the desired shape and size. The second is that the chemistry pertaining to surface modification of gold nanoparticles is very well understood.

Chem. Mater., 16 (6), 988 -993, 2004.