Hydroxyapatite mineralization on the calcium chloride blended polyurethane nanofiber via biomimetic method

Polyurethane nanofibers containing calcium chloride (CaCl ₂) were prepared via an electrospinning technique for the biomedical applications. Polyurethane nanofibers with different concentration of CaCl ₂ were electrospun, and their bioactivity evaluation was conducted by incubating in biomimetic simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. The morphology, structure and thermal properties of the polyurethane/CaCl ₂ composite nanofibers were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. SEM images revealed that the CaCl ₂ salt incorporated homogeneously to form well-oriented nanofibers with smooth surface and uniform diameters along their lengths. The SBF incubation test confirmed the formation of apatite-like materials, exhibiting enhanced bioactive behavior of the polyurethane/CaCl ₂ composite nanofibers. This study demonstrated that the electrospun polyurethane containing CaCl ₂ composite nanofibers enhanced the in vitro bioactivity and supports the growth of apatite-like materials.