A Novel Biomimetic Hybrid Material Made of Silicified Collagen: Perspectives for Bone Replacement

Abstract

Recent findings have generated new interest in the biomaterial properties of silica-containing structures useful for bone replacement. The sol-gel-route seems to be most appropriate to mimic biological processing because it works under ambient conditions and furthermore allows the formation of a mineral phase from solution and the integration of a second component. The present work provides a strategy to mimic the natural processes of biosilicification under ambient conditions. By going beyond the nano- and micro-level, the authors established an advanced procedure for the preparation of monolithic silica-collagen hybrid xerogels.