Demineralized bone matrix as a template for mineral--organic composites.

Mineralizing biological tissues are complex bioceramic-biopolymer composites engineered for a variety of functions. The organic and inorganic constituents, morphology, location, orientation, crystallinity and interactions exhibit materials or extremely fine microstructure, unique mechanical and physical properties with high strength and fracture toughness compared to the individual constituents. An understanding of mineralization, ultrastructural organization and interfacial bonding forces in mineralizing biological composite tissues, such as bone, may provide new strategies and techniques for the production of a novel class of man-made organic-ceramic composites. The present study explores the use of the organic matrix remaining after removal of the mineral phase by chelation with EDTA or solubilizing in HCl as a template for mineral deposition and the production of mineral-organic composites. Different pH conditions are employed to alter the inorganic phase which is deposited within the organic matrix. Mechanical testing and ultrastructural evaluations are carried out for characterization.