Chemical and Structural Investigations of Biomimetically Grown Fluorapatite–Gelatin Composite Aggregates

Abstract

Deeper understanding of the basic principles of biomineralization is a major challenge for present and future research. The high complexity of in‐vivo conditions calls for simplified model systems that still involve dynamic processes like reorganization, formation, self‐organization, and development of patterns, respectively. The present contribution deals with hierarchically ordered spherical aggregates of fluorapatite–gelatin composites with fractal architecture that are grown in gelatin matrices. The model system was chosen to mimic formation conditions on a lower level of complexity compared with the natural formation of calcified tissue (bone, teeth). In order to gain insight into structure formation and the motif for this special kind of morphogenesis we investigated the interaction of the organic and inorganic components of aggregates in different growth stages by detailed chemical analyses, thermoanalytical measurements, X‐ray diffraction on solitary particles, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. The close relation of the results and observations to calcified tissue may stimulate advanced interests in the fields of medical and materials development.

Mesocrystals—Ordered Nanoparticle Superstructures

“…[117,118] A recent finding, that the intrinsic pattern of gelatin microfibrils Figure 13. Dissolution profiles of crystals of racemic (R,S)-(AE)-sodium ibuprofen dihydrate in water at 37.5 8C: a) without milling (inverted triangle ¼ SDS generated mesocrystals, and square ¼ conventional crystals without SDS), and b) with milling (circle ¼ SDS generated mesocrystals, and triangle ¼ conventional crystals without SDS).…”

Biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials based on calcium orthophosphates

“…3) was achieved by diffusion of calcium -and orthophosphate + fluoride solutions from opposite sides into a tube filled with a gelatin gel. [444][445][446][447][448][449][450][451][452][453] The reasons for this phenomenon are not quite clear yet; besides, up to now, nothing has yet been reported on a possible biomedical application for such very unusual structural composites.…”

Calcium orthophosphate-based biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials

“…2) was achieved by diffusion of calcium-and orthophosphate ? fluoride-solutions from the opposite sides into a tube filled with a gelatin gel [366][367][368][369][370][371][372][373][374]. The reasons of this phenomenon are not quite clear yet; besides, up to now nothing has yet been reported on a possible biomedical application of such very unusual structural composites.…”