Growth of Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystals in Aqueous Microgels

In present paper we demonstrate that aqueous microgels can be used as containers for in-situ synthesis of hydroxyapatite. The hydroxyapatite nanocrystals (HAp NCs) become integrated into microgels forming hybrid colloids. The HAp NCs loading in the microgel can be varied in a broad range. The HAp NCs are homogeneously distributed within the microgel corona. The deposition of the inorganic nanocrystals decreases colloidal stability of the microgels and leads to particle aggregation at high HAp NCs loading. Due to the strong interactions between HAp NCs and polymer chains the swelling degree of microgel decreases and temperature-sensitive properties disappear at high loading of the inorganic component. The hybrid colloids can be used as building blocks for the preparation of nano-structured films on solid substrates.