Amyloid-hydroxyapatite bone biomimetic composites

Abstract

A "bottom up" strategy is proposed to synthesize high aspect ratio hydroxyapatite (and brushite) platelets, and combine them with amyloid fibrils into layered hybrid nanocomposites. Their hierarchical structure, despite the differences from natural bone, confers to the nanocomposites a density and elastic modulus matching those of cancellous bone. Evidence of good adhesion and spreading of human trabecular bone-derived pre-osteoblasts cells on these nanocomposites is provided.

Keywords: amyloid fibrils; biomimetic materials; bone-mimetic nanocomposites; hydroxyapatite; osteoblast.