Preparation of biomimetic hydroxyapatite by biomineralization and calcination using poly(l-lactide)/gelatin composite fibrous mat as template

In this study, poly(l-lactic acid)/gelatin composite fibrous matrixes were prepared by electrospinning and were immersed in five times simulated body fluid (SBF) to induce flaky-like minerals depositing on fiber surface. After being subjected to calcination, the flaky-like apatite minerals transformed into hexagonal hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals under proper sintering temperature and time along with the complete removal of organic fibers. The obtained hexagonal HA crystals demonstrated similar morphology and crystallinity to those obtained by calcining antlers and human tibia. The results suggested that the combination of biomineralization and calcination was a possible way to produce biomimetic calcium-phosphate apatite in vitro, which had wide use in bone tissue engineering.

► Preparation of hexagonal-shaped hydroxyapatite resembling the structure of minerals from antlers and human tibia. ► Preparation of biomimetic hexagonal-shaped hydroxyapatite by combining biomineralization and calcination. ► Using electrospun poly(l-lactide)/gelatin composite fibers as substrates for biomineralization.