About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2020 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
Symposium
|
Bio-Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications
|
Presentation Title |
Bioinspired Mineralization of Natural Polymers for Biomedical Applications |
Author(s) |
Conrado Aparicio |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Conrado Aparicio |
Abstract Scope |
We use natural organic matrices as structural templates for bottom-up fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites to build advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering. By controlling mineral deposition in the organic matrices, predictable morphology of the mineralized nanocomposites can be obtained. We have designed and used elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) and different forms of nanocellulose to template mineralization of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals using biomimetic processes. The minerals are deposited within the framework/fibril of the polymeric template, attaining high mineral density, bioactive response, and mechanical properties
similar to those of natural hard tissues. ELRs are recombinant polypeptides that can self-assemble into twisted filaments. Cellulose nanofibers can be aligned so that intrafibrillar nanocompartments can be achieved. Amorphous mineral precursors infiltrate into the nanocompartments between the polymer’s ordered structures and then coalesce and crystallize. Diverse hybrid nanocomposites with optimized mechanical and biological properties can be constructed, suited for the treatment of hard tissue defects using regenerative medicine approaches. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Publication Outside of TMS |