Biomimetic mineralization, application composites

Biomimetic nanocrystalline apatite coatings were deposited on titanium substrates by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE), a technique with potential application in tissue engineering (Visan et al., 2014 Caricato etal., 2014). The targets were prepared from nano-sized, poorly crystalline apatite powders, analogous in composition to mineral bone. For the deposition of thin films, a KrF excimer laser source was used (A = 248 nm,rFWHM < 25 ns). Analyses of the deposited films showed that the structural and chemical nature of the nanocrystalline precursor apatite was preserved. Hence, MAPLE may be a suitable technique for the congruent transfer of a delicate material such as nanohydroxyapatite. 

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