Fig. 1.

Preparation and characterization of the Col/Si-β-TCP composite block. a Schematic illustration of preparation of the Col/Si-β-TCP composites by the sequential process of E6Ectp1 coating, silicification and collagen coating and the Col/Si-β-TCP block by mixing with collagen binder. b SEM images of the non-treated β-TCP, the biosilicated β-TCP (Si-β-TCP) and the collagen-coated Si-β-TCP (Col/Si-β-TCP). Scale bar is 1 μm. c Disk-shaped bone blocks were loaded in uniaxial compression. The bone blocks showed ductile failure under the applied loading. d Strain-stress curve of the Col/β-TCP and the Col/Si-β-TCP bone block