BIOMIMETIC MINERALIZATION OF COLLAGEN WITH A CALCIUM PHOSPHATE POLYMER-INDUCED LIQUID-PRECURSOR PHASE

摘要

It is the aim of this project to distinguish the functionalities of collagen that allows it to attract a Polymer-Induced Liquid-Precursor (PILP) phases to Calcium Phosphate (CaP) and stimulates biomineralization. The system investigated mimics the electrostatic interactions present in collagen through testing surfactants with varying end groups. Self-assembled monolayers micro-contact printed unto gold is used as the substrate for mineralization. Results obtained thus far have been analyzed through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).