![Sample our Engineering & Technology journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5933/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Engineering-Tech.jpg"})
Abstract
A novel hydroxyapatite-based hybrid material with controlled porosity was designed as a bio-package to implant micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in living organisms. The biomaterial was prepared using synthetic stoichiometric hydroxyapatite powder reacted with a chemical-active, solvent-free, alkyd-based polyurethane. This porous material has interconnected pores with sizes between 100 and 350 μm and a pore volume fraction of 50%, fulfilling the requirements for implants. The biomaterial additionally has high wearing resistance and hydrolytic stability providing high endurance properties. The bio-package was characterized mechanically and morphologically using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, densitometry, abrasion and mechanical tests. Twelve packaged micro-electro-mechanical systems were implanted subcutaneously into rats and tested for up to 9 months with good acceptance as revealed by the histological analysis performed on the soft tissue surrounding each implant.
Acknowledgements
The authors are in debt to Alicia del Real for her valuable help in SEM analysis and to Gerardo Fonseca for performing the mechanical analysis. Sandra Vilches, Francisco Fernández and Conception Arredondo are acknowledged for significant technical assistance. Ana C. Santiago is acknowledged for careful revision of the manuscript.