Surfactant-assisted synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone-hydroxyapatite composites as a bone filler

Background: Different methods have been used to prepare bone-like composites from inorganic nanoparticles embedded in polymeric matrixes to obtain the properties and structures required for bone fillers. Methods: Bone-like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) was synthesized using a biomimetic method, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as template and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant. Results: The results demonstrated the formation of HA composites and showed that polymer and surfactant as the polymer capsule can be properly used to control the size, shape, morphology and dispersion of HA crystals. All of the samples were bioactive due to their ability to form carbonate apatite and grow HA on their surface. The MTT assay showed that the samples were biocompatible. Conclusions: Based on bioactivity and biocompatibility evaluations, the prepared composites can be considered as good candidates for bone filler applications.