Hybrid biocomposites based on calcium phosphate mineralization of self-assembled supramolecular hydrogels

Supramolecular hydrogels with hybrid properties were prepared by in situ calcium phosphate mineralization. Hydrogels consisting of interconnecting bundles of aligned organic fibers were formed when prepared in the absence of calcium. Nucleation of calcium phosphates occurred specifically on supramolecular fibers to produce viscoelastic hybrid gels that exhibited enhanced thermal stability, stiffness, and critical stress for breaker. The results showed that the fibers were relatively stable when examined using electron microscopy, and the presence of calcium and phosphorus associated specifically with the organic filaments. The results indicated that the mineralization of the supramolecular hydrogels could be undertaken to produce viscoelastic hybrid composites with increased thermal stability and stiffness. It was also confirmed that the hybrid composites could be prepared as supramolecular gels, thin films, as well as hard macroporous monoliths.