In Vitro Hydroxyapatite Nucleation in Cationically Cured Epoxy Composites with Pulverized Date Seed

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Growing interest in sustainable, cost-effective biomaterials from bio-wastes.
• Hydroxyapatite (HA) is crucial for bone health, strength, and regeneration.
• Date seed (DS) presents a potential bio-waste source for material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of date seed powder (DSP) on hydroxyapatite (HA) formation.
• To evaluate the potential of DSP-based composites for bone regeneration and antibacterial applications.
• To assess the influence of DS physical form and surface modification on HA nucleation and properties.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of DSP composites using date seeds in grain and powder forms, with and without surface modification.
• In vitro testing of composites by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF).
• Characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).
• Assessment of gel content, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial activity.

Main Results:

• XRD and FTIR confirmed HA formation in all SBF-soaked samples.
• TGA indicated improved thermal stability in soaked samples, correlating with higher HA concentration.
• DSP composites exhibited high gel content (>90%) and low hydrophilicity (<5%), favoring HA nucleation.
• Date seed filler addition improved antibacterial activity compared to pristine samples, with modified samples showing superior results.

Conclusions:

• DSP is a viable precursor for promoting HA formation, essential for bone tissue engineering.
• DSP-based composites demonstrate promising potential for bone regeneration and enhanced antibacterial efficacy.
• Surface modification of DSP enhances its performance, highlighting its utility as a sustainable biomedical material.