文摘
Star gels hybrid materials, suitable for use in bone repair, have been synthesized by the sol-gel method,incorporating a calcium alkoxide to the synthesis process. To determine the network connectivity andthe Ca2+ cation location into the hybrid network, the physical and chemical properties of star gels withdifferent compositions have been studied. In vitro bioactivity tests evidence that the star gels develop anapatite-like phase on their surface in contact with simulated body fluid, although this property dependson the Si/Ca ratio. Finally, the study of mechanical properties demonstrated that star gels are less rigidthan conventional bioactive glasses, show similar fracture toughness values than cortical bone, and pointto excellent long-term fatigue behavior.