A New Class II Poly (ε-Caprolactone)-Silica Hybrid: Synthesis and In Vitro Apatite Forming Ability

Abstract

The synthesis of a new class II poly(ε-caprolactone)-silica hybrid has been carried out using tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate as the catalyst. Swelling behaviour, solid state 29 Si NMR and other techniques indicate the formation of interconnected organic-inorganic materials. An in vitro apatite forming ability test performed on this new class of material compared with an equivalent class I poly(ε-caprolactone)-silica sol-gel hybrid (identical silica content) showed the absence of apatite formation on the class II hybrid surface and calcium phosphate precipitation on the class I hybrid surface. This effect may be linked to less silicic acid being released in the simulated body fluid for the class II hybrid compared to the class I hybrid.