Biologically tecto-structured materials: A novel approach for Biomimetic hybrid ceramo-polymeric nanocomposite scaffolds design and preparation

Antonio Apicella*¹, Raffaella Aversa²

¹IDeAS Materials Lab, Abbazia di San Lorenzo ad Septimum, Aversa, Second University of Naples, Italy

²Department of Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples, Piazzale Tecchio 80, Naples, Italy,

e-mail antonio.apicella@unina2.it

ABSTRACT

A novel hybrid ceramo-polymeric class of nanocomposites mutually investigated by computer assisted finite element analysis (FEA), biomimetic modelling^1,2, anatomic reconstruction, and quantitative-computed-tomography characterization is presented. The multidisciplinary fields of biomimetics, biomechanics and tissue engineering have been considered in this study to pursue the objective of improving dental implants reliability. Biological, clinical and engineering principles are applied to produce nanostructured biomimetic scaffolds with the ability to restore the biomechanical and structural as well as the esthetic integrity and the masticator functions in prostheses supported by osseo-integrated implants. Artificial replacements, such as implants, are never as efficient and durable as the original tissues: the reason for these failures is often poor bonding and integration to the surrounding bone tissue. The research investigated bone growth in per-implant scaffolds made from a proprietary new bioactive ceramo-polymeric nano-composite. An innovative biomimetical-biomechanical approach, and new synthetic structure providing a mechanically coherent and nutrient conducive microenvironment for tissue cell cultures and tissues used in regenerative medicine for bone repair and implant fixation, are discussed.

The starting base materials are a class of innovative highly bioactive hybrid ceramo-polymeric materials that has been used as bioactive matrix³ for the preparation of in vivo  bio-mineralized tecto-structured porous nanocomposites. The growth, maintenance and ossification of bone are fundamental and are regulated by the mechanical cues that are imposed by physical activities: this biomimetical/biomechanical approach will be pursued in designing the experimental procedures for the in vitro mineralization and ossification of tecto-structured scaffolds based on these new ceramo-polymeric hybrid materials.

Keywords: hybrid materials, nanocomposites, biomimetics, biomechanics, Finite Element Analysis

*Corresponding author: prof. Antonio Apicella, tel. (39) 0818149981, fax (39) 0818149982