Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Polymers as Bioactive Ceramics for Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Herein, an organic–inorganic hybrid bioactive polymer, namely, random hybrid bioactive ceramic copolymer (EMA-co-TMSPMA-co-HPMA), for bone regeneration is synthesized and characterized. An organic–inorganic hybrid biopolymer gel (EMA-co-TMSPMA) was first prepared as a polymer base for the bioactive polymer. Both polymers are intended for bone regeneration. Both polymers are prepared from ethyl methacrylate, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, and hydroxypropyl methacrylate through free-radical polymerization using benzoyl peroxide as the initiator in the presence of a CaCl₂ solution that released Ca⁺² ions to stimulate the formation of surface apatite CaO–SiO₂ via the sol–gel method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the skeletal structure of the polymers. FT-IR spectra showed that all the obtained bands corresponded to the chemical composition of the polymers. Further, chemical structures of the polymers were analyzed using X-ray diffraction to confirm the formation of an apatite layer through the binary system CaO–SiO₂ on the surface of the polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis were performed for the random hybrid ceramic bioactive copolymer to understand its thermal stability. By synchronizing these results with the gravimetric derivative, a peak of the mass-loss temperature of the polymer was found.