University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated

Laurie B Gower

Matthew J Olszta

Elliot Paul Douglas

Donna L Wheeler

Sivakumar Munisamy

The subject invention concerns a composite comprising an organic fluid-swellable, fibrous matrix, such as collagen, and a mineral phase, such as calcium carbonate or phosphate mineral phase, for use as a biomimetic of bone. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns a process for making a composite involving the inclusion of acidic polymers to a supersaturated mineralizing solution, in order to induce an amorphous liquid-phase precursor to the inorganic mineral, which is then absorbed (pulled by capillary action) into the organic matrix. Advantageously, once solidified, a high mineral content can be achieved, with the inorganic mineral crystals embedded within the collagen fibers (intrafibrillarly) and oriented such that they are aligned along the long axes of the fibers of the organic matrix, thereby closely mimicking the natural structure of bone. The present invention further concerns a method of treating a patient suffering from a bone defect by applying a biomimetic composite to the bone defect site.

Method for treating a bone defect with an organic/inorganic composite

Process for making organic/inorganic composites

Biomimetic organic/inorganic composites

The subject invention concerns a composite comprising an organic fluid-swellable matrix, such as collagen, and mineral phase, such as calcium carbonate or phosphate mineral phase, for use as a biomimetic of bone. In another aspect, the subject invention concerns a process for making a composite involving the inclusion of acidic polymers to a supersaturated mineralizing solution, in order to induce an amorphous liquid-phase precursor to the inorganic mineral, which is then absorbed (pulled by capillary action) into the interstices of the organic matrix, and subsequently mineralizes via solidification and crystallization of the precursor phase. The present invention further concerns a method of treating a patient suffering from a bone defect by applying a biomimetic composite to the bone defect site.

The present invention pertains to mineral fibers useful as biomimetics of tissue, such as dental enamel and bone, and as filler in paper, paint, coatings, and plastic production. The present invention also concerns methods for producing mineral fibers by contacting an inorganic liquid-phase mineral precursor with a crystalline inorganic substrate under conditions permitting the inorganic liquid-phase mineral precursor to solidify and crystallize, compositions comprising mineral fibers, and methods for treating a tissue defect within a patient by applying mineral fibers to the site of the tissue defect.

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Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Laurie B Gower