Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

Hydrogels for bone regeneration 77

present localized formation of mineral onto the casein-rich domains, while

in Fig. 3.1e the formation of few crystallites is emphasized. The morpho-

structural analysis of the hydrogels after incubation in SBF solution was

complemented by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected

area diffraction analysis (SAED) and it con rmed the polycrystalline nature

of the formed nanometric HA. A remaining challenge is the distribution of

the nucleation agents into the polymer scaffolds, especially when casein is

employed. Stability is also to be optimized since the protein is insoluble

in aqueous media at physiological pH, while the carrier hydrogel swells or

degrade. Casein forms nanostructured clusters ...