Preparation and characterization of a new bioinorganic composite: collagen and hydroxyapatite.

Studies on biomineralization in bone have opened new arenas in the field of fabrication and engineering of bone-graft devices. A new bioinorganic composite was prepared by introducing processed collagenous matrices into the calcifying solutions at pH 7.8-8.0. The calcifying solutions were prepared by using a saturated dicalcium salt solution. Hydroxyapatite grew on the matrix over a period of 3-5 days in a specially designed crystallizing chamber. Changes in biochemical characters and biophysical parameters have given interesting insights into factors affecting and effecting initiation and progression of calcification on organic matrices.