Systematic evolution of a porous hydroxyapatite-poly(vinylalcohol)-gelatin composite.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp)-poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA)-gelatin nanocomposite was biomimetically synthesized and characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite-poly(vinylalcohol) and hydroxyapatite-poly(vinylalcohol)-gelatin composites show modification of hydroxyl, amide and phosphate bands as a result of chemical interaction of hydroxyapatite with the above composite matrices. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the time-dependent development of a porous structure of hydroxyapatite-poly(vinylalcohol)-gelatin as a consequence of nucleation at the HAp aggregate-matrix interface. A literature survey holds great promise for the above as scaffolds in terms of increased mechanical properties and bioactivity.