Injectable, self-assembled composites for implantable orthopedic applications

Self-assembled DNA supramolecules have similar dimensions and biochemical properties as natural molecules in tissues, such as collagen. Therefore, these molecules have great potential to serve as a new generation of implants. In this study, twin-based linker (TBL) nanotubes, and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (TBL/HA/pHEMA composite) were investigated for orthopedic applications. In this study, the properties of this composite were characterized for surface morphology, mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. The solidification properties of these composites were optimized. Particularly, the composites with the highest ratio of HA nanoparticles had a compressive strength similar to that of the natural vertebral disc. Thus, this study provided evidence that TBL/HA/pHEMA composites are very promising injectable orthopedic implants.