Helical domain collagen substrates mineralization in simulated body fluid.

Abstract

Helical domain collagen substrates had been mineralized using simulated body fluid. They had an increasing level of structural organization; being in the form of gel, film, and uniaxial deformed film. The experiments were carried out for different periods of time and the obtained composite materials were characterized in their mineral content. Apatite precipitation was detected. The results show that the helical domain collagen substrates partially inhibit the in vitro apatite precipitation processes, but the amount and the crystallinity of deposited mineral can be controlled by the different assemblies of the helical domain collagen fibers.