Nanocomposites based on apatitic tricalcium phosphate and autofibrin

Abstract

Nanocomposites based on apatitic tricalcium phosphate in an autofibrin matrix were obtained by precipitation at a Ca/P ratio of 1.50, pH 9 and a maturation time from 30 min to 7–14 days. The resorbability of nanocomposites was determined by the composition of calcium phosphates, which, during long-term maturation, formed as the calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite with a Ca/P ratio of 1.66, whereas biopolymer matrix favored the formation of more soluble calcium phosphates with a Ca/P ratio of 1.53–1.59. It was found that the fibrin clot stabilized, along with apatitic tricalcium phosphate, the phase of amorphous calcium phosphate, which after 800 °C was transformed into resorbable α-tricalcium phosphate. Citrated plasma inhibited the conversion of apatitic tricalcium phosphate into stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, which also facilitated the formation of resorbable β-tricalcium phosphate after 800 °C. The combined effect of the maturation time and the biopolymer matrix determined the composition, physicochemical and morphological properties of nanocomposites and the possibililty to control its extent of resorption