GOALI: Multi-functional composites for load-bearing skeletal applications

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Wie0503315ABSTRACTIn this BME/RAPD/GOALI initiative program, the applicants will explore a new apatite/fibrouspolymer composite featuring a Young's modulus matched to natural bone, sufficient mechanicalstrength to support reasonable loads during the healing process, excellent biocompatibility,capability of controlled release of drugs, good osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity to enhanceboth bone formation and ingrowth, appropriate degradation rate, and capability of being replacedby natural bone in a long-term. The specific objectives are:o To prepare bone-like carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA)/ fibrous polymer composites withYoung's modulus and mechanical strength matching that of cortical bone using novelpolymer-braid constructions.o To obtain excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of the composite by biomimeticformation of bone-like CHA on the surface of polymer fibers.o To explore the possibility of using the novel constructions proposed in the study as a moresophisticated drug delivery system.o To understand the interrelationship between the composite mechanical properties and thefiber composition, fiber surface modification, formation of trans-crystallinity, and CHAloading by conducting systematic experimental work and comparing the data with thepredictions of theory.o To gain an in-depth knowledge of the effect of the composite composition, construction,and geometry on the bone formation rate on the composite using a series of cell cultureassays.