@article{5bad493d1d714397bb5cc332e17ecdfd,
title = "Assisted deposition of nano-hydroxyapatite onto exfoliated carbon nanotube oxide scaffolds",
abstract = "Electrodeposited nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is more similar to biological apatite in terms of microstructureand dimension than apatites prepared by other processes. Reinforcement with carbon nanotubes(CNTs) enhances its mechanical properties and increases adhesion of osteoblasts. Here, we carefullystudied nHAp deposited onto vertically aligned multi-walled CNT (VAMWCNT) scaffolds by electrodepositionand soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF). VAMWCNTs are porous biocompatible scaffolds withnanometric porosity and exceptional mechanical and chemical properties. The VAMWCNT films were preparedon a Ti substrate by a microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method, and then oxidizedand exfoliated by oxygen plasma etching (OPE) to produce graphene oxide (GO) at the VAMWCNT tips.The attachment of oxygen functional groups was found to be crucial for nHAp nucleation during electrodeposition.A thin layer of plate-like and needle-like nHAp with high crystallinity was formed without anyneed for thermal treatment. This composite (henceforth referred to as nHAp–VAMWCNT–GO) served asthe scaffold for in vitro biomineralization when soaked in the SBF, resulting in the formation of both carbonate-richand carbonate-poor globular-like nHAp. Different steps in the deposition of biological apatiteonto VAMWCNT–GO and during the short-term biomineralization process were analysed. Due to theirunique structure and properties, such nano-bio-composites may become useful in accelerating in vivobone regeneration processes.",
keywords = "carbon nanotube, hydroxapatite, scaffold",
author = "May, {Paul W} and Hudson Zanin",
year = "2015",
doi = "10.1039/c4nr07317g",
language = "English",
volume = "7",
pages = "10218",
journal = "Nanoscale",
}