Hydroxyapatite-based materials of marine origin: a bioactivity and sintering study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and biphasic hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (HAp/β-TCP) are crucial biomaterials.
• Investigating sustainable sources for these materials is essential for reducing costs and environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biological properties of HAp and HAp/β-TCP derived from Atlantic cod fish bones.
• To assess the cytotoxicity, bioactivity, and hemocompatibility of these marine-derived biomaterials.
• To investigate the sintering behavior and sinterability of the prepared materials.

Main Methods:

• Materials were synthesized from Atlantic cod fish bones.
• Cytotoxicity was assessed using Saos-2 cells.
• Hemocompatibility was evaluated by determining the hemolysis rate.
• Bioactivity was tested by immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF).
• Sintering behavior was studied to determine sinterability and theoretical density.

Main Results:

• The synthesized HAp and HAp/β-TCP materials showed no cytotoxicity in both powder and pellet forms.
• The hemolysis rate was below 2%, classifying the materials as non-hemolytic.
• Crystal formation was observed on the material surfaces after immersion in SBF, indicating bioactivity.
• Both materials exhibited high sinterability, achieving densities greater than 95% of the theoretical value.

Conclusions:

• Marine-derived HAp and HAp/β-TCP are non-cytotoxic and non-hemolytic, demonstrating good biocompatibility.
• The materials exhibit promising bioactivity and excellent sinterability.
• These findings confirm the suitability of fish bone-derived HAp and HAp/β-TCP for various biomedical applications.