Bioactive Hydroxyapatite Coating on PHEMA by Means of the Biomimetic Method

Samples of poly2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA) hydrogel were submitted to the biomimetic method, recently proposed by Japanese researchers. By this way it was possible to obtain an hydroxyapatite coating. The experimental results suggest that, as reported in the literature for other supports, the silicate ions released from the glass in the first stage bind themselves to the polymeric support. The adhesive strength was measured and turned out to be higher than the one reported for PMMA substrate. The biomimetic treatment has a strong effect on the outstanding property of the hydrogel, the swelling ratio that is increased from Deltam/m degrees= 0.56 to Deltam/m degrees= 1.03. Biomimetic method promoted cells adhesion on PHEMA substrate.