Preparation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-collagen composites.

ABSTRACT

Linear and three-dimensional polymer composites were prepared on the basis of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)--pHEMA--and collagen. Their biological properties were tested by in vitro as well as in vivo methods. The composite material (unlike pure pHEMA) supported myoblast adhesion as well as their fusion into multinuclear myotubes in vitro. The three-dimensional polymer composites stimulated a new bone formation after their intraosseal implantation in dogs and pigs. The biomaterial itself was degraded in the host organism, in contrast to stable pHEMA.