Preparation of a bioactive and degradable poly(epsilon -caprolactone)/silica hybrid through a sol-gel method.

A bioactive and degradable poly(epsilon -caprolactone)/silica hybrid was synthesized for the application as a bone substitute. Triethoxysilane end capped polyepsilon -caprolactone) was prepared by the reaction with alpha,omega-hydroxyl poly(epsilon -caprolactone) and 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2,]octane as a catalyst. It was then co-condensed with tetraethyl orthosilicate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate via a sol-gel method. The bioactivity of the poly(epsilon -caprolactone)/silica hybrid was assessed using simulated body fluid and low crystalline apatite was successfully formed on its surface after soaking for 1 week at 36.5 degrees C. Its biodegradability was evaluated in the phosphate buffered saline and the degradability was mostly come from the poly(epsilon -caprolactone) phase in the hybrid. It means that this hybrid is likely to be applicable to a bioactive and degradable bone substitute. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.