Papers by Author: Rui N. Correia

Abstract: This study compares the in vitro behaviour in SBF of glasses from two different systems, TiO2-CaO-P2O5 and SiO2-CaO-P2O5 with the same TiO2 and SiO2 molar content, in order to evaluate the effect of TiO2 and SiO2 on the surface reactivity of those glasses. The glass formation regions in both systems were observed for compositions with less than 40 mol% TiO2 and 40 mol% SiO2, respectively. Four glasses with similar TiO2 and SiO2 molar contents have been selected for comparison. These glasses are equimolar in CaO and P2O5 with TiO2 or SiO2 varying from 4 to 33 mol %. Powder glasses were immersed in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) and kept at 37°C for different times, up to 14 days. Surfaces were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and specimen ion leaching to SBF was studied by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. Preliminary spectroscopic studies by Raman were performed to identify the structure of the glasses. For glasses of the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system a significant dissolution of all ions was observed together with the formation of phosphoric acid. In opposition, the immersion of TiO2-CaO-P2O5 glasses produced a small Ca consumption and stable Ti and P concentrations, indicating the formation of a Ca-P rich layer on these glasses. The observed differences in the dissolution behaviour are tentatively explained in terms of the glass structures obtained by spectroscopy.

Abstract: Porous κ-carrageenan based composites with potential application in bone tissue engineering have been prepared by in situ co-precipitation of nanoparticles of calcium phosphates, followed by thermally induced gelification and freeze-drying. The scaffolds showed macroporous structure with interconnected porosity. The variation of the biopolymer concentration affected the microstructure and compressive mechanical performance of the composites. The in vitro bioactivity was assessed by soaking the composites in simulated body fluid (SBF) and the formation of an apatite layer on their surface was found.

Abstract: Mineralization experiments on glasses of the Si-Ca-P-Mg system were carried out for 7 days in carbonated simulated inorganic plasma (CSIP) buffered with CO2/HCO3 -. This method enables physiological buffering of the solution within the 7.3–7.4 pH interval by maintaining a HCO3 - concentration between 24 and 27 mmol.L-1, which is the normal concentration range in blood plasma. XRD, SEM/EDS and FTIR were used to characterise the glass surfaces. All glasses exhibited an apatite-like deposit whose Ca/P ratio was dependent on glass composition.

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: A study is reported on the influence of surface morphology, chemistry and albumin adsorption on the in vitro mineralization of titanium. Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma and was chosen as a pre-incubation medium for titanium substrates previously conditioned by mechanical, thermal and chemical treatment. Subsequent mineralization studies were performed in carbonated simulated inorganic plasma (CSIP) physiologically buffered with CO2/HCO3 -. The results indicate that surface morphology and albumin adsorption contribute to the development of a B-carbonated apatite deposit and, furthermore, that the buffer system may alter the role of albumin in mineralization.

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.