Vaterite-containing composite biomaterials

Abstract

Ceramic-polymer biomaterials having excellent apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid were prepared by hot-pressing a mixture consisting of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and calcium carbonate (vaterite). When vaterite of 30 wt% was introduced, the modulus of elasticity was effectively improved by 3.5∼6 GPa. The composite formed a bonelike apatite layer on its surface affer soaking in SBF at 37°C even for 1 days. The sponges composed of a skeleton of the vaterite composite or a bonelike apatite composite could be prepared easily. They have large porosities of∼90% with large-sized pores. The sponges may be great potential candidates as bone fillers or scaffolds for tissue engineering.