Bioactive titania-based organic–inorganic hybrids synthesized via sol–gel
In the present work, the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid (OIH)
materials for biomedical applications is described. Two types of OIH systems
are prepared by means of a sol–gel process, both consisting of a titania
matrix. The use of two different biocompatible thermoplastic polymers as
organic component is evaluated: the poly(-caprolactone) and the
poly(ether-imide). The formation of the hybrid structure is ascertained by
scanning electron microscopy, whereas the identification of the interactions
between the organic and the inorganic phases is obtained by using Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, a preliminary evaluation of the
osseointegration ability of the obtained material is investigated by soaking the
synthesized OIHs in a simulated body fluid to follow the ability of the
materials to induce the hydroxyapatite nucleation. The results show that all
OIHs are bioactive and, thus, potentially suitable for the implants’ design.