Biomimetic Coating of Hydroxyapatite on Glycerol Phosphate-Conjugated Polyurethane via Mineralization

[Image: see text] In this study, glycerol phosphate was introduced into polyurethane (PU) to promote the coating stability of hydroxyapatite (HA) during its mineralization on the PU surface. Glycerol phosphate was successfully conjugated with the PU chain during polymerization. Phosphate groups in glycerol phosphate accelerated the nucleation of HA under calcium phosphate ion-rich conditions (concentrated simulated body fluid), resulting in the enhancement of structural stability. The robust interface between HA and PU also improved mechanical properties. Hydrophilic phosphate groups and bioactive HA improved in vitro cellular responses in terms of the attachment and proliferation of L929 fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. Thus, the highly elastic and bioactive PU-gp-HA could be a promising candidate for tissue engineering applications that experience frequent deformation, including diverse cartilage replacements.