Effect of the Electric Field on the Biomineralization of Collagen

Abstract

Collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrids are promising biomimetic materials that can replace or temporarily substitute bone tissues. The process of biomineralization was carried out through a double diffusion system. The methodological principle consisted in applying an electric field on the incubation medium to promote the opposite migration of ions into collagen membranes to form hydroxyapatite (HA) on the collagen membrane. Two physically separated solutions were used for the incubation medium, one rich in phosphate ions and the other in calcium ions, and their effects were evaluated against the traditional mineralization in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Pre-polarization of the organic membranes and the effect of incubation time on the biomineralization process were also assessed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies.Our results demonstrated that the membrane pre-polarization significantly accelerated the mineralization process on collagen. On the other side, it was found that the application of the electric field influenced the collagen structure and its interactions with the mineral phase. The increment of the mineralization degree enhanced the photoluminescence properties of the collagen/HA materials, while the conductivity and the dielectric constant were reduced. These results might provide a useful approach for future applications in manufacturing biomimetic bone-like materials.

Calcium Orthophosphate (CaPO4) Containing Composites for Biomedical Applications: Formulations, Properties, and Applications

“…CaPO 4 has been found to successfully precipitate on collagen substrates regardless of their shape or source [594,730,738,739]. Sometimes precipitation can be performed under the presence of external forces, such as an electric field [740]. However, the binding of CaPO 4 crystals to collagen depends on the degree to which collagen is denatured; the more fibrillar the collagen, the greater the binding.…”

Mineralization of Octacalcium Phosphate under Magnetic Field

“…The actual biomineralization occurs in a complex environment, apart from organic substrates, inorganic ions, pH value, temperature, and other prevalent direct factors; there are complex electromagnetic fields, gravity fields, and other environmental elements that are frequently overlooked. The effects of these minor environmental factors should not be ignored during the protracted biomineralization process, spanning years [19][20][21]. Comprehensive simulation of the above factors is an immense task and complicated procedure.…”