SYNTHESIS OF CERAMIC-POLYMER-DRUG BIOCOMPOSITES AT ROOM-TEMPERATURE

The preparation of hard composites by the free radical polymerization at room temperature of a blend of beta-tricalcium phosphate, poly(ethy l methacrylate), methyl methacrylate monomer and fosfosal(R) is descri bed. After the immersion of the composites in a buffered solution, the controlled release of an analgesic drug, fosfosal, is observed. The c eramic component participates actively in the control of the release o f the drug by means of the formation of a bridging complex with the fo sfosal, as demonstrated by FTIR studies.