Synthesis of dense collagen/apatite composites using a biomimetic method

In this article we describe a simple but effective biomimetic method to prepare dense apatite/collagen nanocomposites. Collagen-containing simulated body fluid was used to mimic the natural bone formation environment. The apatite/collagen films were formed at the air-solution interface under physiological conditions (40°C and pH=6.3). Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, western blot analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray were used to characterize the apatite/collagen composites. It was revealed that the nanosized apatite particles formed into a platelet shape with 100 nm in width and length and <10 nm in thickness. The collagen existed around the apatite platelets and acted as a glue to bind these platelets together. The collagen and apatite were strongly adhered to each other and formed into dense composite.