U.S.-Mexico Collaborative Research: Formation and Characterization of Calcium Hydroxyapatite Deposited on Silica Aerogels and Xerogels

University Of North Texas, Denton TX

Investigators

Abstract

0102797 Reidy This U.S.-Mexico award will support joint collaborative work between Prof. Richard Reidy of the University of North Texas and Prof. Oscar Mendoza Gonzalez of the Instituto Tecnologico de Saltillo together with colleagues at CINVESTAV-Queretaro, in the field of biomaterials. More specifically, the researchers will focus on the relationship between the structure and surface functionalities of silica xerogels and aerogels and the consequent growth mechanisms, compositions, and morphologies of hydroxyapatites grown on these substrates from simulated body fluids. Using small-angle neutron scattering, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, and a range of instrumentation and expertise available at the collaborating institutions, the results of this research collaboration should prove useful in the development of inexpensive bioactive or resorbable bioceramic materials with many potential bioengineering applications.