Biomimetic Mineralization of an Aligned, Self-Assembled Collagenous Matrix.

Abstract

AbstractAn in-vitro method of mineralizing an aligned, self-assembled collagenous matrix is presented. Reconstituted collagen fibers were mineralized by exposure to saturated solutions of calcium and phosphate of varying pH in a double diffusion chamber for seven days at room temperature. Microscopic investigation of the mineral precipitate within the fibers indicate the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals with features comparable to mineral observed in bone and avian tendon. Mechanical test results indicate that tensile strength and tangent modulus increase after mineralization in comparison to unmineralized control fibers. These results suggest that mineralization of collagen fiber in-vitro may parallel some of the events seen in mineralization of bone and turkey tendon. In addition, mineralized collagen fibers may be useful in the design of composites for the replacement or augmentation of hard tissue