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Bioactivity of polycrystalline silicon layers
Lilyana Pramatarova1, Emilia Pecheva, Paul Montgomery
1Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tzarigradsko Chaussee Blvd., 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|May 10, 2008
Summary
Silicon
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Silicon (Si) is abundant and crucial for connective tissue in higher organisms.
- Si is essential for bone and cartilage formation and metabolic processes.
- Siliceous biominerals indicate Si's role in structural elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the bioactivity of polycrystalline silicon layers.
- To assess their ability to induce hydroxyapatite formation from simulated body fluid.
- To investigate silicon's role in biomaterial development.
Main Methods:
- Polycrystalline silicon layers were fabricated using aluminum-induced crystallization.
- Thin films of Al and amorphous Si were deposited via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering.
- Hydroxyapatite formation was induced using laser-liquid-solid interaction on silicon surfaces.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneous, porous, sponge-like hydroxyapatite formed on polysilicon surfaces.
- The hydroxyapatite contained carbonates and embedded crystals (NaCl, Ca, P, O, Na, Cl, Mg, Al, Si, S).
- Laser-liquid-solid interaction enhanced hydroxyapatite growth and crystallinity.
Conclusions:
- Polycrystalline silicon layers demonstrate bioactivity by inducing hydroxyapatite formation.
- Laser-liquid-solid interaction is an effective method for enhancing biomaterial growth and crystallinity.
- This study highlights silicon's potential in developing bioactive materials for biomedical applications.
