Bioactive Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Prepared from Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) via Modification with Metal Oxides and Calcium Salt
Organic polymers with ability of apatite formation in body environment are expected as novel bone substitutes having not only bone-bonding ability, i.e. bioactivity, but also mechanical performance analogous to natural bone. Several metal oxides have been found to be effective for the apatite deposition in body environment. In addition, release of calcium ions from the materials significantly enhances it. In this study, we attempted to synthesize bioactive organic-inorganic hybrids from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by incorporation of titanium oxide or zirconium oxide as well as calcium salt. Ability of apatite formation on the hybrids was examined in vitro using simulated body fluid (SBF, Kokubo solution). Apatite deposition was observed to occur on the surfaces of PVA/titanium oxide hybrids in SBF, when their compositions were appropriately controlled.