Papers by Author: B.J.M. Leite Ferreira

Abstract: We investigated the in vitro formation of apatites and other biologically relevant calcium phosphates, in particular the influence of temperature and pH in the nature of the mineral phases. With this purpose several calcium phosphates were synthesized under controlled conditions, in presence of atmospheric CO2. The results obtained suggest that both factors under study, temperature and pH, have major influence in the nature of the mineral phases obtained.

Abstract: Two materials with potential application in bone tissue repair have been developed: 1) a non-biodegradable composite based in a new methacrylic-co-acrylic matrix; and 2) a biodegradable composite based in a chitosan (Ch) matrix. Both matrices were reinforced with glass-ceramic particles of composition (mol%) 70 SiO2 – 30 CaO. The in vitro bioactivity of composites was assessed by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for periods of up to 7 days at 37º C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were used for deposit identification after different soaking periods. Calcium phosphate particulate deposits were detected after 3 days of immersion, followed by growth and maturation towards apatite.