Preparation, characterization and in vitro bioactivity of polyvinyl alcohol-hydroxyapatite biphasique membranes

Six membranes of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with various weight percent - 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % of hydroxyapatite (HA) were prepared. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the different functional groups in membrane composites. The surface morphology was examined through scanning electron microscope. The in vitro bioactivity tests in Simulated Blood Fluid (SBF) have been performed up to 28 days, especially for membrane containing 50 wt. % HA. SEM was used to characterize surface microstructure of biocomposite membranes before and after immersion in SBF. It was observed the formation of clusters within membranes with increasing amount of HA particles due to hydrogen bond and also the agglomeration and crystal growth of HA particles during drying of membranes. The bioactivity was found increasing with time immersion of biocomposite materials in SBF solution.