Biologically inspired growth of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals inside self-assembled collagen fibers

Bone defects are generaly filled using autologous implants because artificial bone materials have low bioaffinity. However, natural bone can induce infections and antigenic reaction, therefore the preparation of artificial material with composition, structure and biological feature comparable those of bone is a goal to be pursued. The aim of this work was to follow a biologically inspired approach performing a direct nucleation of hydroxyapatitenanocrystals composite as a new particularly attractive material for bone repair and reconstruction. X-ray diffractometric technique, thermogravimetric (TG-DTG), spectroscopic (FT-IR, ICP), microscopic (ESEM, TEM) analyses highlight the likeness of the artificial biomimetic HA/Col composite with natural bone tissue.