Biomimetic composites by surface-initiated polymerization of cyclic lactones at anorganic bone: preparation and in vitro evaluation of osteoblast and osteoclast competence.

Biomimetic composites were constructed using anorganic bone to initiate the polymerization of cyclic lactones. The resulting anorganic bone/polylactone composites preserve the inorganic structure and the mechanical properties of the original bone. Thermal conditions used to prepare the anorganic bone were shown to control the surface functionalities, surface area, and crystallinity, all of which influence the rates of subsequent polymerizations.