Preparation of citric acid-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) films for effectively precipitating calcium phosphate particles

Abstract

We developed a technology for effective calcium phosphate (CP) particle precipitation on poly(vinyl alcohol) films through a biomimetic process. The percentages of the carboxylate ion exposure and esterification reaction in the films were controlled through citric acid surface modification or cross-linking techniques. Ca²⁺–carboxylate ion interactions (i.e., nucleation sites) were formed and effective CP precipitation on the films was observed. As a result, we successfully controlled the density and size of the precipitated CP particles on the films. It has the potential to be used as an effective CP particle precipitation technology on polymeric films.