Biomimetic hydroxyapatite particulate nanofiber modified silicon: in vitro bioactivity.

A novel particulate nanofibrous hydroxyapatite (HA), which mimics the bone matrix, is presented as a surface functional material to modify silicon wafers by the electrospinning method. The HA precursors were treated with viscous polymer solution, and then electrospun under controlled conditions. After successive calcinations, the powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples revealed reflection toward the (300) HA plane that is linear with temperature. This prominent reflection suggests the crystallographic purity of the HA. Biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and microstructure were examined using AFM and FE-SEM. Morphology showed cell spreading and penetration instead of cell aggregation. The surface roughness as well as adhesion force was calculated using contact mode AFM. The results show that the composite matrix holds promise for use as a bone implant material.