ABSTRACT
Low crystalline apatite coating was formed on the surface of biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers by a biomimetic process, i.e., by immersing the fibers in a modified simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 degrees C and pH 7.3 after hydrolysis of the fibers in water. The apatite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that the fiber hydrolysis could accelerate the apatite formation but had little effect on the chemical and crystalline structure of the apatite. The structure of the apatite coating formed by the biomimetic method was similar to that of apatite in the natural bone. The bone-like low crystalline apatite coating might exhibit enhanced osteo-conductivity when the PLLA fibers are applied in bone reconstruction biomaterials.