On-chip characterization of hydroxyapatite with different topography

Sammanfattning: Biomaterials are defined as non-viable materials whose functions strives to interact with biological systems, this makes biomaterials suitable for medical devices and applications. Biomaterials biological properties must be thoroughly investigated and evaluated in order to be approved for clinical usage. In vitro studies are used to characterize the materials biological properties, if promising results are achieved in vitro, in vivo studies may be performed to ensure that the material can interact with living animal models in the intended way. However, for a biomaterial such as calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite there is a gap between results observed in vitro and in vivo studies. Microfluidic systems have been highlighted as a possible evaluation model to achieve reliable results for in vitro studies. The aim of this thesis was to compare and evaluate a biomaterial- on-a-chip, i.e., a biomaterial integrated in a dynamic microfluidic system, with a traditional static in vitro system in the regards of drug release and protein adsorption. Two chemically identical calcium-deficient hydroxyapatites but with different topographies were integrated in the microfluidic system and manufactured as discs for static evaluation. Results from drug release and protein adsorption studies showed different behaviours for dynamic and static control, which is significant since it indicates that the outcome of the characterization correlates to the evaluation model used.