The goal of this research is to synthesize and characterize novel polyphosphazenes bearing carboxy terminated amino acid analogues (�-alanine and ?-amino butyric acid) capable of extensive nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HaP) on their surface when exposed to simulated body fluid. Polyphosphazenes are inorganic/organic hybrid polymers with a nitrogen/phosphorus backbone, with each phosphorus atom bearing two additional organic side groups. The amino acid analogues were incorporated onto the phosphazene backbone to coordinate Ca2+ and allow for the deposition of HaP on its surface. Previous studies have shown that polymers capable of nucleating HaP, or those containing a HaP filler, increased the ability of osteoblast-like cells to adhere to their surface and proliferate. In order to control the rate of hydrolysis, the amino groups were co-substituted with p-cresol at either 25 or 50% to alter the degree of backbone protection from water. The final polymers containing 50% acidic group showed extensive calcium phosphate deposition as observed by mass gain and SEM/EDS, with one system showing the presence of HaP by XRD. 

Nucleation of hydroxyapatite by carboxy functionalized biodegradable polyphosphazenes

247th National Meeting (2014)

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