Porous hydroxyapatite reinforced with collagen protein.

Porous hydroxyapatite (HAP) with certain porosity and pore size was prepared, and incorporated with bovine collagen protein. The composition and structure of the HAP was confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and ICP. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mechanical tests and in vitro degradation were performed. Collagen protein with low antigenicity was obtained from bovine tendon by enzyme digestion, and was then forced to fill in the HAP matrix to form composites. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Mechanical tests and in vitro degradation were performed. The test results show that first, HAP thus made has specific pore size and directions; second, mechanical properties of the composites have been markedly improved; third, the in vitro degradation rate of the composite is almost the same as and mainly controlled by the degradation rate of collagen.