| [ Summary ] |
Bone is a typical nanocomposite composed of non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystals and collagen (Col) molecules. It has high metabolic activities and excellent mechanical properties. In order to realize these characteristics, many composites of HAp and Col have been being proposed. However, their mechanical and biological properties are far different from those of natural bone. The authors proposed a novel HAp / Col nanocomposite, synthesized via self-organization between HAp and Col. The nanocomposite has a bone-like nanostructure and chemical composition. Its bone tissue reactions are very similar to those of autogenous bone, i. e., the composites are resorbed by osteoclasts followed by new bone formation in resorption lacnae by osteoblasts. Thus, the HAp / Col self-organized nanocomposites are incorporated into the bone remodeling metabolism. Sponge like porous bodies and flexible membranes, that are very suitable for bone tissue engineering, as well as bone fillers, are easily prepared from the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites are expected to be usefull in the bone tissue engineering field. |