Preparation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)-based composites releasing soluble silica for bone regeneration

Silica/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) composites were prepared for achievement of new medical devices having bioactivity, biodegaradability and excellent mechanical-elongation property for the use in bone regeneration. The composites were prepared using three different types of silicon alcoxides, Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), Diethoxydimethylsilane (DEODMS) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), as a silica source. The composites prepared with TEOS possessed both abilities of soluble silica releasing and hydroxyapatite forming in simulated body fluid, while the composites prepared with the other sources didn't show them. The chemical structure and tensile properties of the composites prepared with TEOS were evaluated. Fourier transform infrared reflection and 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses demonstrated that the crystallinity of polymer phase in the composites was reduced by adding the silica. The composites containing < 25 wt% of silica exhibited a large failure strain (3 700%). (C)2013 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.