The team has already begun testing new derivatives of the composite, including those that incorporate a single crystalline
form of the hydroxyapatite for greater strength and a variation of the coating mixture to maximize its mechanical properties for bones bearing more weight.
Bones form as cells mineralise, depositing tiny crystals
of hydroxyapatite in a matrix of collagen fibres.
Their hyperelastic bone is a type of scaffold made
up of hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that exists in our bones and teeth, and a biocompatible polymer called polycaprolactone, and a solvent.
Novel route for rapid sol - gel
synthesis of hydroxyapatite, avoiding ageing and using fast drying with a 50-fold to 200-fold reduction in process time.