Fabrication of a Fish-Bone-Inspired Inorganic–Organic Composite Membrane

Abstract

Biological materials have properties like great strength and flexibility that are not present in synthetic materials. Using the ribs of crucian carp as a reference, we investigated the mechanisms behind the high mechanical properties of this rib bone, and found highly oriented layers of calcium phosphate (CaP) and collagen fibers. To fabricate a fish-rib-bone-mimicking membrane with similar structure and mechanical properties, this study involves (1) the rapid synthesis of plate-like CaP crystals, (2) the layering of CaP–gelatin hydrogels by gradual drying, and (3) controlling the shape of composite membranes using porous gypsum molds. Finally, as a result of optimizing the compositional ratio of CaP filler and gelatin hydrogel, a CaP filler content of 40% provided the optimal mechanical properties of toughness and stiffness similar to fish bone. Due to the rigidity, flexibility, and ease of shape control of the composite membrane materials, this membrane could be applied as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane.

Advances in Membrane Separation for Biomaterial Dewatering

“…Reportedly, some HCMs have been fabricated with additional inorganic or hybrid fillers. Additives can be incorporated into hydrogel matrixes to enhance their mechanical, dielectric, and antifouling properties or thermal stability. − For example, Ali et al showed that the addition of Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 fillers to PVA/PVP HCMs enhances the dielectric properties. On the other hand, calcium phosphorus (CaP) fillers improved the mechanical properties of gelatin membranes .…”

“…Additives can be incorporated into hydrogel matrixes to enhance their mechanical, dielectric, and antifouling properties or thermal stability. − For example, Ali et al showed that the addition of Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 fillers to PVA/PVP HCMs enhances the dielectric properties. On the other hand, calcium phosphorus (CaP) fillers improved the mechanical properties of gelatin membranes . Silver–polydopamine (Ag–PDA) nanospheres were coated onto a PSF support to enhance the water flux and antibacterial properties while maintaining a good antifouling membrane surface .…”

“…On the other hand, calcium phosphorus (CaP) fillers improved the mechanical properties of gelatin membranes. 288 Silver–polydopamine (Ag–PDA) nanospheres were coated onto a PSF support to enhance the water flux and antibacterial properties while maintaining a good antifouling membrane surface. 289 In some recent publications, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were blended into active layers of P(VSA- co -METMAC) 230 and PVA-SA 290 to promote antifouling and antibacterial activity.…”