Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
Valorization of bone waste: effect of animal bone origin on hydroxyapatite structure and properties
Liana Mkhitaryan1, Lilit Baghdasaryan1, Khachik Nazaretyan2
1Group of Ceramic Biomaterials, A. B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics, National Academy of Sciences, P. Sevak 5/2, 0014, Yerevan, Armenia.
Abstract:
This study demonstrates the valorization of bone waste from different animal sources as a sustainable approach to produce high-value hydroxyapatite (HA) powders, supporting circular economy principles. The findings provide a scientific basis for selecting bone waste sources depending on desired material properties, promoting resource-efficient recovery and reuse of biowaste. Three different types of bone-bovine, ostrich, and porcine-were selected for this research to compare species-dependent differences in HA derived from animal sources. Bovine bone served as a common reference, ostrich bone represented a non-mammalian source, and porcine bone was chosen for its close structural similarity to human bone. The HA powders were characterized in terms of particle size, specific surface area, crystallite size, phase composition, and porosity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed variations in crystallite size with calcination temperature. Mechanical testing revealed that bovine-derived HA exhibited the highest compressive strength (17 MPa) and porcine-derived HA showed the highest hardness (0.5 GPa). These findings highlight the significant influence of the bone source on the microstructural and physicochemical properties of HA, providing a foundation for selecting optimal HA sources for targeted applications. With the results obtained in this paper, it is possible to select the animal of origin of the bones to be used based on the desired characteristics of the powder to be developed.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Structure
Bone Remodeling
Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
The Hyoid Bone
Spongy Bone
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...

