| abstract |
The present invention provides inorganic-organic nanocomposite coatings for implant materials and methods for the production thereof. The coatings consist of a sequentially adsorbed polyelectrolyte film (SAPF) intergrown with calcium phosphate crystals. The substrate is selected from glass, polymer, metal or metal alloys. The SAPFs consist of successions of positively and negatively charged monolayers, comprising biocompatible polyelectrolytes, preferably polyaminoacids. The calcium phosphate crystals may comprise octacalcium phosphate, calcium deficient apatites, carbonate apatites, hydroxyapatite, or mixtures thereof, with particle sizes 50 nm to 2 μm. The inorganic phase is grown “in situ” within the polyelectrolyte organic matrix. |