Nanogel-templated mineralization: Polymer-calcium phosphate hybrid nanomaterials

We report novel organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials that consist of polymer hydrogel nanoparticles (nanogels) and calcium phosphate. Hybrid nanoparticles that measure ca. 40 nm are synthesized from a dilute solution of hydroxyapatite using nanogels as templates for calcium phosphate mineralization. These nanoparticles show a narrow size distribution and high colloidal stability. Nanogel-adsorbed liposomes act as templates for hierarchical hybrid nanostructures. These nanohybrids can potentially be used as biocompatible drug carriers with controlled-release properties.