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Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
Osteoblast adhesion to functionally graded hydroxyapatite coatings doped with silver
Stefan Sandukas1, Akiko Yamamoto, Afsaneh Rabiei
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, 911 Oval Drive, Engineering Building III, Box 7910, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|April 16, 2011
Summary
Silver-doped hydroxyapatite coatings enhance osteoblast adhesion. The FGHA-Ag1 coating, with 1% silver, showed the best cell adhesion and optimal dissolution for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are crucial for bone implants.
- Silver doping (Ag-HA) can impart antimicrobial properties and influence biological responses.
- Functionally graded materials offer tailored properties for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize silver-doped functionally graded hydroxyapatite (Ag-FGHA) coatings.
- To evaluate the biological response, specifically osteoblast cell adhesion, on Ag-FGHA coatings.
- To investigate the dissolution properties and silver ion release of Ag-FGHA coatings.
Main Methods:
- Ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) with in situ heat treatment.
- Preparation of Ag-FGHA coatings with varying silver content (1, 3, 6.6 wt%).
- MC 3T3-E1 osteoblast cell culture and adhesion quantification.
- Surface roughness analysis (profilometry) and dissolution testing.
- Silver ion release rate measurements.
Main Results:
- FGHA-Ag1 coating (1 wt% Ag) exhibited the highest osteoblast adhesion and cell affinity.
- Surface roughness of FGHA-Ag1 significantly increased after immersion, indicating higher dissolution.
- Silver ion release rates were initially high and decreased over time, consistent with functionally graded dissolution.
- All Ag-FGHA coatings showed varying degrees of osteoblast adhesion and dissolution.
Conclusions:
- FGHA-Ag1 coating promotes superior osteoblast adhesion due to an optimal dissolution rate and non-toxic silver concentration.
- Silver-doped functionally graded hydroxyapatite coatings show promise for enhanced bone integration.
- The study highlights the importance of controlling silver content and dissolution for biomaterial performance.

