Nanocomposites consisting of polymer matrix and ceramic nanofiller are a wide group of materials with modulated properties, which depend on filler concentration and chemical structure of the polymer matrix. New trends in biomedical applications include composites where the nanofiller improves mechanical properties and additionally enhances the biocompatibility of polymer matrix. It is possible to produce various nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polymer matrices. Poly(L-lactic acid) or poly(caprolactone) are commonly used, but they are stiff materials of limited elongation and thus not suitable for several applications. Therefore thermoplastic elastomers, as materials of high flexibility with a wide range of possibilities to tailor their structure and properties, represent attractive materials, especially for soft tissue applications. In this work we will be present an original method of bioactive nanocomposites preparation using in-situ polycondensation. We used ultrasound processing to prepare dispersion of nano-TiO₂ particles in one of the monomer, which is dilinoleic acid. With this original process elaborated in our laboratory, well dispersed nanoparticles within the thermoplastic elastomer matrix can be prepared. The nanocomposite effect has been gained as demonstrated by enhanced mechanical properties. At a concentration of 0.2 wt% TiO₂ the bioactivity of nanocomposites was confirmed by SEM-EDX, where calcium phosphate crystals were observed on the nanocomposite surfaces.

Acknowledgements. This work was financially supported by Polish Ministry of Education and Sciences grant nr 3T08E03268.

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1. Biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymeric - ceramic composites for medical applications
2. Polymer-TiO₂ nanocomposites for soft tissue engineering
3. In-situ preparation and characterization of novel polyester/TiO2 nanostructured composites
4. Evaluation of fatigue behaviour of elastomeric biomedical polymers