Preparation of a bioactive and degradable poly( ε-caprolactone)/silica hybrid through a sol–gel method

A bioactive and degradable poly( ε-caprolactone)/silica hybrid was synthesized for the application as a bone substitute. Triethoxysilane end capped poly( ε-caprolactone) was prepared by the reaction with α, ω-hydroxyl poly( ε-caprolactone) and 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2,]octane as a catalyst. It was then co-condensed with tetraethyl orthosilicate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate via a sol–gel method. The bioactivity of the poly( ε-caprolactone)/silica hybrid was assessed using simulated body fluid and low crystalline apatite was successfully formed on its surface after soaking for 1 week at 36.5°C. Its biodegradability was evaluated in the phosphate buffered saline and the degradability was mostly come from the poly( ε-caprolactone) phase in the hybrid. It means that this hybrid is likely to be applicable to a bioactive and degradable bone substitute.