Novel synthesis and characterization of an AB-type carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite

Characterization and biological properties of a novel synthesized silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite derived from eggshell

In the present study, the effect of adding different concentrations of silicon on physical, mechanical and biological properties of a synthesized aqueous precipitated eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite (e-HA) was evaluated. No secondary phases were detected by X-ray diffraction for the specimens e-HA and e-HA containing silicon (Si-e-HAs) before and after heating at 1200°C. A reduction in the crystallite size and a-axis as well as an increase in c-axis was occurred when silicon replacement was happened in the structure of e-HA. The presence of Si-O vibrations and carbonate modes for Si-e-HAs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The range of porosity and density was varied from 25% and 2.4 g cm^-3 to 7% and 2.8 g cm^-3 for e-HA and Si-e-HAs. The values of Young's modulus ( E) and compressive strength were varied for e-HA and Si-e-HAs. The porous structure of the samples was reduced when they were heated as e-HA kept the porous microstructure containing some dense areas and Si-e-HAs possessed a rough surface including slight levels of microporosity. The acellular in vitro bioactivity represented different apatite morphologies for e-HA and Si-e-HAs. The G-292 osteoblastic cells were stretched well on the surface with polygon-shaped morphology for 0.8Si-e-HA after 7 days of culture. According to MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase test, the maximum cell activity was related to 0.8Si-e-HA. The minimum inhibitory concentration for 0.8Si-e-HA and e-HA was estimated to be about 3.2 and 4.4 mg/mL, respectively. In overall, the sample 0.8Si-e-HA exhibited a higher bacteriostatic effect than e-HA against gram-negative bacterial strain Escherichia coli.

Anionic Polymer Brushes for Biomimetic Calcium Phosphate Mineralization-A Surface with Application Potential in Biomaterials

This article describes the synthesis of anionic polymer brushes and their mineralization with calcium phosphate. The brushes are based on poly(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt) providing a highly charged polymer brush surface. Homogeneous brushes with reproducible thicknesses are obtained via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Mineralization with doubly concentrated simulated body fluid yields polymer/inorganic hybrid films containing AB-Type carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHAP), a material resembling the inorganic component of bone. Moreover, growth experiments using Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae demonstrate that the mineral-free and the mineral-containing polymer brushes have a good biocompatibility suggesting their use as biocompatible surfaces in implantology or related fields.

Fabrication and Characterization of Strontium-Substituted Hydroxyapatite-CaO-CaCO₃ Nanofibers with a Mesoporous Structure as Drug Delivery Carriers

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is the main inorganic component and an essential part of hard bone and teeth. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity, synthetic HAp has been widely used as a bone substitute, cell carrier, and therapeutic gene or drug carrier. Recently, numerous studies have demonstrated that strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) not only enhances osteogenesis but also inhibits adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells. Mesoporous SrHAp has been successfully synthesized via a traditional template-based process and has been found to possess better drug loading and release efficiencies than SrHAp. In this study, strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite-CaO-CaCO₃ nanofibers with a mesoporous structure (mSrHANFs) were fabricated using a sol⁻gel method followed by electrospinning. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the contents of CaO and CaCO₃ in the mSrHANFs decreased as the doping amount of Sr increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the average diameter of the mSrHANFs was approximately 200~300 nm. The N₂ adsorption⁻desorption isotherms demonstrated that the mSrHANFs possessed a mesoporous structure and that the average pore size was approximately 20~25 nm. Moreover, the mSrHANFs had excellent drug- loading efficiency and could retard the burst release of tetracycline (TC) to maintain antibacterial activity for over 3 weeks. Hence, mSrHANFs have the potential to be used as drug carriers in bone tissue engineering.

Influence of nanoporosity on the nature of hydroxyapatite formed on bioactive calcium silicate model glass

For hard tissue regeneration, the bioactivity of a material is measured by its ability to induce the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) under physiological conditions. It depends on the dissolution behavior of the glass, which itself is determined by the composition and structure of glass. The enhanced HA growth on nanoporous than on nonporous glass has been attributed by some to greater specific surface area (SSA), but to nanopore size distribution by others. To decouple the influence of nanopore size and SSA on HA formation, we have successfully fabricated homogeneous 30CaO-70SiO₂ (30C70S) model bioactive glass monoliths with different nanopore sizes, yet similar SSA via a combination of sol-gel, solvent exchange, and sintering processes. After incubation in PBS, HA, and Type-B carbonated HA (HA/B-CHA) form on nanoporous monoliths. The XPS, FTIR, and SEM analyses provide the first unambiguous demonstration of the influence of nanopore size alone on the formation pathway, growth rate, and microstructure of HA/CHA. Due to pore-size limited diffusion of PO₄ ^3- , two HA/CHA formation pathways are observed: HA/CHA surface deposition and/or HA/CHA incorporation into nanopores. HA/CHA growth rate on the surface of a nanoporous glass monolith is dominated by the pore-size limited transport of Ca²⁺ ions dissolved from nanoporous glass substrates. Furthermore, with increasing nanopore size, HA/CHA microstructures evolve from needle-like, plate-like, to flower-like appearance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 886-899, 2019.

In vitro response of mesenchymal stem cells to biomimetic hydroxyapatite substrates: A new strategy to assess the effect of ion exchange

Biomaterials can interact with cells directly, that is, by direct contact of the cells with the material surface, or indirectly, through soluble species that can be released to or uptaken from the surrounding fluids. However, it is difficult to characterise the relevance of this fluid-mediated interaction separately from the topography and composition of the substrate, because they are coupled variables. These fluid-mediated interactions are amplified in the case of highly reactive calcium phosphates (CaPs) such as biomimetic calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA), particularly in static in vitro cultures. The present work proposes a strategy to decouple the effect of ion exchange from topographical features by adjusting the volume ratio between the cell culture medium and biomaterial (V_CM/V_B). Increasing this ratio allowed mitigating the drastic ionic exchanges associated to the compositional changes experienced by the material exposed to the cell culture medium. This strategy was validated using rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) cultured on CDHA and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) discs using different V_CM/V_B ratios. Whereas in the case of β-TCP the cell response was not affected by this ratio, a significant effect on cell adhesion and proliferation was found for the more reactive CDHA. The ionic exchange, produced by CDHA at low V_CM/V_B, altered cell adhesion due to the reduced number of focal adhesions, caused cell shrinkage and further rMCSs apoptosis. This was mitigated when using a high V_CM/V_B, which attenuated the changes of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the cell culture medium, resulting in rMSCs spreading and a viability over time. Moreover, rMSCs showed an earlier expression of osteogenic genes on CDHA compared to sintered β-TCP when extracellular calcium fluctuations were reduced.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Fluid mediated interactions play a significant role in the bioactivity of calcium phosphates. Ionic exchange is amplified in the case of biomimetic hydroxyapatite, which makes the in vitro characterisation of cell-material interactions especially challenging. The present work proposes a novel and simple strategy to explore the mechanisms of interaction of biomimetic and sintered calcium phosphates with mesenchymal stem cells. The effects of topography and ion exchange are analysed separately by modifying the volume ratio between cell culture medium and biomaterial. High ionic fluctuations interfered in the maturation of focal adhesions, hampering cell adhesion and leading to increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation rate.

Structural features of hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite formed under the influence of ultrasound and microwave radiation and their effect on the bioactivity of the nanomaterials

The samples of hydroxyapatite and carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite (CHA) were obtained under the influence of physical factors, namely ultrasound (US) and microwave (MW) radiations. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis have proved the formation of the calcium deficient hydroxyapatite and B-type CHA with the Ca/P ratio in the ranges 1.62-1.87. In vitro studies have showed the increased bioactivity of the samples, synthesized under the influence of physical factors as compared to the standard ones. The samples of both groups, synthesized under the influence of 600 W MW, have shown the greatest stability in biological environment. In vivo tests confirm that obtained under US and MW radiations hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials are biocompatible, non-toxic and exhibit osteoconductive properties. The usage of US and MW radiations can significantly shorten the time (up to 5-20 min) of obtaining of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite and B-type CHA in nanopowder form, close in structure and composition to the biological hydroxyapatite.

Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Study of Synthetic and Bovine-Derived Hydroxyapatite Ceramics: A Comparison

The physicochemical properties and biological behavior of sintered-bovine-derived hydroxyapatite (BHAp) are here reported and compared to commercial synthetic-HAp (CHAp). Dense ceramics were sintered for 2 h and 4 h at 1200 °C to investigate their microstructure–structure–in-vitro behavior relationship for both HAp ceramics. Densification was directly proportional to sintering time, showing a grain coarsening behavior with a greater effect on BHAp. Lattice parameters, crystallite size, cell volume and Ca/P ratio were determined by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns using GSAS^®. Ionic substitutions (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, CO₃²⁻) related to BHAp structure were associated with their position changes in the vibrational modes and correlated with the structural parameters obtained from the XRD analysis. Variations in the structural parameters and surface morphology were also evaluated after different soaking periods in simulated body fluid, which is associated with the formation of bone-like apatite layer and thus bioactivity. Mitochondrial activity (MTS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays showed that the material released by the ceramics does not induce toxicity after exposure in human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) cells. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found between the HAp obtained from different sources. These results show that BHAp can be used with no restrictions for the same biomedical applications as CHAp.

Synthesis and Characterization of Jellified Composites from Bovine Bone-Derived Hydroxyapatite and Starch as Precursors for Robocasting

Hydroxyapatite-starch composites solidify rapidly via jellification, making them suitable candidates for robocasting. However, many aspects related to hydroxyapatite powder characteristics, hydroxyapatite-starch interaction, and composites composition and properties need to be aligned with robocasting requirements to achieve a notable improvement in the functionality of printed scaffolds intended for bone regeneration. This article presents a preliminary evaluation of hydroxyapatite-starch microcomposites. Thermal analysis of the starting powders was performed for predicting composites' behavior during heat-induced densification. Also, morphology, mechanical properties, and hydroxyapatite-starch interaction were evaluated for the jellified composites and the porous bodies obtained after conventional sintering, for different starch additions, and for ceramic particle size distributions. The results indicate that starch could be used for hydroxyapatite consolidation in limited quantities, whereas the composites shall be processed under controlled temperature. Due to a different mechanical behavior induced by particle size and geometry, a wide particle size distribution of hydroxyapatite powder is recommended for further robocasting ink development.

Carbonate substitution in the mineral component of bone: Discriminating the structural changes, simultaneously imposed by carbonate in A and B sites of apatite

The mineral component of bone and other biological calcifications is primarily a carbonate substituted calcium apatite. Integration of carbonate into two sites, substitution for phosphate (B-type carbonate) and substitution for hydroxide (A-type carbonate), influences the crystal properties which relate to the functional properties of bone. In the present work, a series of AB-type carbonated apatites (AB-CAp) having varying A-type and B-type carbonate weight fractions were prepared and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and carbonate analysis. A detailed characterization of A-site and B-site carbonate assignment in the FTIR ν₃ region is proposed. The mass fractions of carbonate in A-site and B- site of AB-CAp correlate differently with crystal axis length and crystallite domain size. In this series of samples reduction in crystal domain size correlates only with A-type carbonate which indicates that carbonate in the A-site is more disruptive to the apatite structure than carbonate in the B-site. High temperature methods were required to produce significant A-type carbonation of apatite, indicating a higher energy barrier for the formation of A-type carbonate than for B-type carbonate. This is consistent with the dominance of B-type carbonate substitution in low temperature synthetic and biological apatites.

Template-free synthesis of phosphate-based spheres via modified supersaturated phosphate buffer solutions

Modified supersaturated phosphate buffer solutions were used to synthesize phosphate-based spheres, including calcium phosphate (CaP), strontium phosphate (SrP) and barium phosphate (BaP). A series of ions concentrations in the modified phosphate buffer solutions were investigated in order to study their effects in precipitates morphologies. During synthesis, it was found that magnesium was the key factor in sphere formation. The morphologies of calcium phosphate, strontium phosphate and barium phosphate precipitates varied as the concentration of magnesium ions varied. When sufficient magnesium was provided, the precipitates appeared spherical, and the diameter was in range of 0.5-2 μm. The morphologies, compositions and structure of spheres were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N₂ adsorption analysis. Moreover, the application of magnesium substituted calcium phosphate spheres in dentin tubules occlusion was investigated.

Protein-free formation of bone-like apatite: New insights into the key role of carbonation

The nanometer-sized plate-like morphology of bone mineral is necessary for proper bone mechanics and physiology. However, mechanisms regulating the morphology of these mineral nanocrystals remain unclear. The dominant hypothesis attributes the size and shape regulation to organic-mineral interactions. Here, we present data supporting the hypothesis that physicochemical effects of carbonate integration within the apatite lattice control the morphology, size, and mechanics of bioapatite mineral crystals. Carbonated apatites synthesized in the absence of organic molecules presented plate-like morphologies and nanoscale crystallite dimensions. Experimentally-determined crystallite size, lattice spacing, solubility and atomic order were modified by carbonate concentration. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations predicted changes in surface energy and elastic moduli with carbonate concentration. Combining these results with a scaling law predicted the experimentally observed scaling of size and energetics with carbonate concentration. The experiments and models describe a clear mechanism by which crystal dimensions are controlled by carbonate substitution. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that carbonate substitution is sufficient to drive the formation of bone-like crystallites. This new understanding points to pathways for biomimetic synthesis of novel, nanostructured biomaterials.

Li+ activated nanohydroxyapatite doped with Eu3+ ions enhances proliferative activity and viability of human stem progenitor cells of adipose tissue and olfactory ensheathing cells. Further perspective of nHAP:Li+, Eu3+ application in theranostics

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often require simultaneous regeneration of nerve tissue and bone. Hydroxyapatites are described as bioresorbable materials with proper biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, therefore its application for spinal surgery is considered. In this paper, we present repeatable method for developing nanocrystalline calcium hydroxyapatites structurally modified with Li⁺ ions (nHAP:Li⁺). Obtained biomaterials were profoundly characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties. Moreover, we have shown that nHAP:Li⁺ doped with europium (Eu³⁺) may serve as a theranostic agent, what additionally extend its potential usage for SCI treatment. The biocompatibility of nHAP:Li⁺ was determined using human olfactory ensheathing cells (hOECs) and adipose tissue-derived multipotent stromal cells (hASCs). Both population of cells are eagerly applied for cell-based therapies in SCI, mainly due to their paracrine activity. The extensive in vitro studies showed that nHAP:Li⁺ promotes the cells proliferation, viability and cell-cell interactions. Obtained results provides encouraging approach that may have potential application in regenerative medicine and that could fulfil the promise of personalized medicine - important in SCI treatment.

Mechanism of Hydrogen-Bonded Complex Formation between Ibuprofen and Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nanoHA) is the main hard component of bone and has the potential to be used to promote osseointegration of implants and to treat bone defects. Here, using active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) such as ibuprofen, we report on the prospects of combining nanoHA with biologically active compounds to improve the clinical performance of these treatments. In this study, we designed and investigated the possibility of API attachment to the surface of nanoHA crystals via the formation of a hydrogen-bonded complex. The mechanistic studies of an ibuprofen/nanoHA complex formation have been performed using a holistic approach encompassing spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman) and X-ray diffraction techniques, as well as quantum chemistry calculations, while comparing the behavior of the ibuprofen/nanoHA complex with that of a physical mixture of the two components. Whereas ibuprofen exists in dimeric form both in solid and liquid state, our study showed that the formation of the ibuprofen/nanoHA complex most likely occurs via the dissociation of the ibuprofen dimer into monomeric species promoted by ethanol, with subsequent attachment of a monomer to the HA surface. An adsorption mode for this process is proposed; this includes hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl group of ibuprofen to the hydroxyl group of the apatite, together with the interaction of the ibuprofen carbonyl group to an HA Ca center. Overall, this mechanistic study provides new insights into the molecular interactions between APIs and the surfaces of bioactive inorganic solids and sheds light on the relationship between the noncovalent bonding and drug release properties.

The deposition of strontium and zinc Co-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings

The in vitro and in vivo performance of hydroxyapatite (HAp) coatings can be modified by the addition of different trace ions, such as silicon (Si), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) or strontium (Sr) into the HAp lattice, to more closely mirror the complex chemistry of human bone. To date, most of the work in the literature has considered single ion-substituted materials and coatings, with limited reports on co-substituted calcium phosphate systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of radio frequency magnetron sputtering to deposit Sr and Zn co-substituted HAp coatings using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The FTIR and XPS results highlight that all of the Sr, Zn and Sr-Zn co-substituted surfaces produced are all dehydroxylated and are calcium deficient. All of the coatings contained HPO₄^2- groups, however; only the pure HAp coating and the Sr substituted HAp coating contained additional CO₃^2- groups. The XRD results highlight that none of the coatings produced in this study contain any other impurity CaP phases, showing peaks corresponding to that of ICDD file #01-072-1243 for HAp, albeit shifted to lower 2θ values due to the incorporation of Sr into the HAp lattice for Ca (in the Sr and Sr-Zn co-substituted surfaces only). Therefore, the results here clearly show that RF magnetron sputtering offers a simple means to deliver Sr and Zn co-substituted HAp coatings with enhanced surface properties. (a) XRD patterns for RF magnetron sputter deposited hydroxyapatite coatings and (b)-(d) for Sr, Zn and Sr-Zn co-substituted coatings, respectively. The XPS spectra in (b) confirms the presence of a HA sputter deposited coating as opposed to

Rapid Mix Preparation of Bioinspired Nanoscale Hydroxyapatite for Biomedical Applications

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been widely used as a medical ceramic due to its good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Recently there has been interest regarding the use of bioinspired nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHA). However, biological apatite is known to be calcium-deficient and carbonate-substituted with a nanoscale platelet-like morphology. Bioinspired nHA has the potential to stimulate optimal bone tissue regeneration due to its similarity to bone and tooth enamel mineral. Many of the methods currently used to fabricate nHA both in the laboratory and commercially, involve lengthy processes and complex equipment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a rapid and reliable method to prepare high quality bioinspired nHA. The rapid mixing method developed was based upon an acid-base reaction involving calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid. Briefly, a phosphoric acid solution was poured into a calcium hydroxide solution followed by stirring, washing and drying stages. Part of the batch was sintered at 1,000 °C for 2 h in order to investigate the products' high temperature stability. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the successful formation of HA, which showed thermal decomposition to β-tricalcium phosphate after high temperature processing, which is typical for calcium-deficient HA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of carbonate groups in the precipitated product. The nHA particles had a low aspect ratio with approximate dimensions of 50 x 30 nm, close to the dimensions of biological apatite. The material was also calcium deficient with a Ca:P molar ratio of 1.63, which like biological apatite is lower than the stoichiometric HA ratio of 1.67. This new method is therefore a reliable and far more convenient process for the manufacture of bioinspired nHA, overcoming the need for lengthy titrations and complex equipment. The resulting bioinspired HA product is suitable for use in a wide variety of medical and consumer health applications.

Structural transformation of synthetic hydroxyapatite under simulated in vivo conditions studied with ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging

Hydroxyapatite and carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite are widely used in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Both apatite materials were embedded into recently developed ceramic/polymer composites, subjected to Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) for 30days and characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging to assess their behaviour and structures. The specific aim was to detect the transition phases between both types of hydroxyapatite during the test and to analyze the surface modification caused by SBF. ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging was successfully applied to characterise changes in the hydroxyapatite lattice due to the elastic properties of the scaffolds. It was observed that SBF treatment caused a replacement of phosphates in the lattice of non-substituted hydroxyapatite by carbonate ions. A detailed study excluded the formation of pure A type carbonate apatite. In turn, CO₃^2- content in synthetic carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite decreased. The usefulness of ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging studies in the evaluation of elastic and porous β-glucan hydroxyapatite composites has been demonstrated.

Osteolytic and mixed cancer metastasis modulates collagen and mineral parameters within rat vertebral bone matrix

Metastatic involvement in vertebral bone diminishes the mechanical integrity of the spine; however minimal data exist on the potential impact of metastases on the intrinsic material characteristics of the bone matrix. Thirty-four (34) female athymic rats were inoculated with HeLa (N = 17) or Ace-1 (N = 17) cancer cells lines producing osteolytic or mixed (osteolytic and osteoblastic) metastases, respectively. A maximum of 21 days was allowed between inoculation and rat sacrifice for vertebrae extraction. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to determine modifications in collagen-I parameters such as proline hydroxylation and the formation of specific enzymatic and non-enzymatic (pentosidine) cross-links. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine relative changes in mineral crystallinity, mineral carbonation, mineral/collagen matrix ratio, collagen quality ratio, and proline hydroxylation. HPLC results showed significant increase in the formation of pentosidine and decrease in the formation of the enzymatic cross-link deoxy-pryridinoline within osteolytic bone compared to mixed bone. Raman results showed decreased crystallinity, increased carbonation, and collagen quality (aka 1660/1690 sub-band) ratio with osteolytic bone compared to mixed bone and healthy controls along with an observed increase in proline hydroxylation with metastatic involvement. The mineral/matrix ratio decreased in both osteolytic and mixed bone compared to healthy controls. Quantifying modifications within the intrinsic characteristics of bone tissue will provide a foundation to assess the impact of current therapies on the material behavior of bone tissue in the metastatic spine and highlight targets for the development of new therapeutics and approaches for treatment. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2126-2136, 2016.

A Novel Strategy for Preparation of Si-HA Coatings on C/C Composites by Chemical Liquid Vaporization Deposition/Hydrothermal Treatments

A novel strategy for the preparation of Si-doped hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) coatings on H₂O₂-treated carbon/carbon composites (C/C) was developed. HA coating was prepared on C/C through chemical liquid vaporization deposition (CLVD)/hydrothermal treatment. HA coating was immersed in an H₂SiO₃ solution at an autoclave at 413 K for transformation into Si-HA coating. The effects of H₂SiO₃ mass contents on the phase, morphology, and composition of the Si-HA coatings were studied through SEM, EDS,XRD, and FTIR. Their bonding performance to C/C was measured through a scratch test. Under the optimal content condition, the in vitro skull osteoblast response behaviors of the Si-HA coating were evaluated. Results showed that SiO₃²⁻ could enter into the HA lattice and occupy the PO₄³⁻ sites. Doped SiO₃²⁻ significantly improved the bonding performance of the HA coating to C/C in comparison with the untreated HA. The adhesive strength of the coatings initially increased and then decreased with increasing H₂SiO₃ content. Meanwhile, the cohesive strength of the Si-HA coatings was almost nearly identical. The Si-HA coating achieved at a content of 90% H₂SiO₃ exhibited the best bonding performance, and its osteoblast compatibility in vitro was superior to that of the untreated HA coating on C/C through CLVD/hydrothermal treatment.

Effect of hydroxyapatite on critical-sized defect

Background

Xenologous or synthetic graft materials are commonly used as an alternative for autografts for guided bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of carbonate apatite on the critical-size bone defect of rat’s calvarium.

Methods

Thirty-six critical-size defects were created on 18 adult male Sprague-Dawley rat calvaria under general anesthesia. Calvarial bones were grinded with 8 mm in daimeter bilaterally and then filled with (1) no grafts (control, n = 10 defects), (2) bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss®, Geistlich Pharma Ag. Swiss, n = 11 defects), and (3) hydroxyapatite (Bongros®, Bio@ Inc., Seongnam, Korea, n = 15 defects). At 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, the rats were sacrificed and all samples were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

At 4 weeks after surgery, group 3 (42.90 ± 9.33 %) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the control (30.50 ± 6.05 %) and group 2 (28.53 ± 8.62 %). At 8 weeks after surgery, group 1 (50.21 ± 6.23 %), group 2 (54.12 ± 10.54 %), and group 3 (50.92 ± 6.05 %) showed no significant difference in the new bone formation.

Conclusions

Bongros®-HA was thought to be the available material for regenerating the new bone formation.

Antimicrobial activity and biologic potential of silver-substituted calcium phosphate constructs produced with self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

There is significant demand for synthetic bone substitute materials that can decrease the incidence of implant-based bacterial infections. The intent of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and biologic potential of calcium phosphate (CaP) constructs substituted with silver (Ag) that were produced via self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). SHS is a combustion synthesis technique that has successfully generated porous CaP bioceramics intended for use in bone repair. SHS reactions are highly versatile; dopants can be added to the reactant powders to alter product chemistry and morphology. In this research, Ag powder was added to the reactants generating porous CaP constructs containing 0.5, 1, or 2 wt% Ag. Antibacterial performance of the constructs was assessed against Escherichia coli, a representative model for Gram-negative bacteria. Liquid solutions (1 μg/mL) of CaP-Ag particles to phosphate buffered saline were incubated with 10(5) cells/mL. After 24 h, 10 μL of solution were spread on an LB agar plate and cultured for 24 h at 37 °C. Samples cultured with CaP-Ag showed complete bacterial inhibition while the controls (E. coli only and CaP without Ag) exhibited significant colony formation. The effects of Ag concentration on cytotoxicity and biocompatibility were tested in vitro. At 7 days, osteoblasts uniformly enveloped the CaP-Ag particles and displayed a healthy flattened morphology suggesting the concentrations of Ag incorporated into constructs were not cytotoxic. CaP-Ag constructs produced via SHS represent a source of synthetic bone substitute materials that could potentially inhibit, or reduce the incidence of post-operative bacterial infections.

In vitro study on the degradation of lithium-doped hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering scaffold

Li-doped hydroxyapatite (LiHA) which is prepared through introducing low dose of Li into hydroxyapatite (HA) has been increasingly studied as a bone tissue-engineered scaffold. The degradation properties play a crucial role in the success of long-term implantation of a bone tissue-engineered construct. Herein, the in vitro degradation behaviors of LiHA scaffolds via two approaches were investigated in this study: solution-mediated degradation and osteoblast-mediated degradation. In solution-mediated degradation, after being immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for some time, some characteristics of these scaffolds (such as release of ionized lithium and phosphate, pH change, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility and SEM surface characterization) were systematically tested. A similar procedure was also employed to research the degradation behaviors of LiHA scaffolds in osteoblast-mediated degradation. The results suggested that the degradation in SBF and degradation in culture medium with cell existed distinguishing mechanisms. LiHA scaffolds were degraded via a hydrolytic mechanism when they were soaked in SBF. Upon degradation, an apatite precipitation (layer) was formed on the surfaces of scaffolds. While a biological mechanism was presented for the degradation of scaffolds in cell-mediated degradation. Compared with pure HA, LiHA scaffolds had a better effect on the growth of osteoblast cells, meanwhile, the release amount of PO4(3-) in a degradation medium indicated that osteoblasts could accelerate the degradation of LiHA due to the more physiological activities of osteoblast. According to the results from compressive strength test, doping Li into HA could enhance the strength of HA. Moreover, the results from MTT assay and SEM observation showed that the degradation products of LiHA scaffolds were beneficial to the proliferation of osteoblasts. The results of this research can provide the theoretical basis for the clinical application of LiHA scaffolds.

Hydroxyapatite formation on graphene oxide modified with amino acids: arginine versus glutamic acid

Hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca5(PO4)3OH) is the main inorganic component of hard tissues, such as bone and dentine. HA nucleation involves a set of negatively charged phosphorylated proteins known as non-collagenous proteins (NCPs). These proteins attract Ca(2+) and PO4(3-) ions and increase the local supersaturation to a level required for HA precipitation. Polar and charged amino acids (AAs) are highly expressed in NCPs, and seem to be responsible for the mineralizing effect of NCPs; however, the individual effect of these AAs on HA mineralization is still unclear. In this work, we investigate the effect of a negatively charged (Glu) and positively charged (Arg) AA bound to carboxylated graphene oxide (CGO) on HA mineralization in simulated body fluids (SBF). Our results show that Arg induces HA precipitation faster and in larger amounts than Glu. We attribute this to the higher stability of the complexes formed between Arg and Ca(2+) and PO4(3-) ions, and also to the fact that Arg exposes both carboxyl and amino groups on the surface. These can electrostatically attract both Ca(2+) and PO4(3-) ions, thus increasing local supersaturation more than Glu, which exposes carboxyl groups only.

Biologic Potential of Calcium Phosphate Biopowders Produced via Decomposition Combustion Synthesis

The aim of this research was to evaluate the biologic potential of calcium phosphate (CaP) biopowders produced with a novel reaction synthesis system. Decomposition combustion synthesis (DCS) is a modified combustion synthesis method capable of producing CaP powders for use in bone tissue engineering applications. During DCS, the stoichiometric ratio of reactant salt to fuel was adjusted to alter product chemistry and morphology. In vitro testing methods were utilized to determine the effects of controlling product composition on cytotoxicity, proliferation, biocompatibility and biomineralization. In vitro, human fetal osteoblasts (ATCC, CRL-11372) cultured with CaP powder displayed a flattened morphology, and uniformly encompassed the CaP particulates. Matrix vesicles containing calcium and phosphorous budded from the osteoblast cells. CaP powders produced via DCS are a source of biologically active, synthetic, bone graft substitute materials.

Probing carbonate in bone forming minerals on the nanometre scale

To devise new strategies to treat bone disease in an ageing society, a more detailed characterisation of the process by which bone mineralises is needed. In vitro studies have suggested that carbonated mineral might be a precursor for deposition of bone apatite. Increased carbonate content in bone may also have significant implications in altering the mechanical properties, for example in diseased bone. However, information about the chemistry and coordination environment of bone mineral, and their spatial distribution within healthy and diseased tissues, is lacking. Spatially resolved analytical transmission electron microscopy is the only method available to probe this information at the length scale of the collagen fibrils in bone. In this study, scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) was used to differentiate between calcium-containing biominerals (hydroxyapatite, carbonated hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate and calcite). A carbon K-edge peak at 290 eV is a direct marker of the presence of carbonate. We found that the oxygen K-edge structure changed most significantly between minerals allowing discrimination between calcium phosphates and calcium carbonates. The presence of carbonate in carbonated HA (CHA) was confirmed by the formation of peak at 533 eV in the oxygen K-edge. These observations were confirmed by simulations using density functional theory. Finally, we show that this method can be utilised to map carbonate from the crystallites in bone. We propose that our calibration library of EELS spectra could be extended to provide spatially resolved information about the coordination environment within bioceramic implants to stimulate the development of structural biomaterials.

The deposition of strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings

Strontium substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHA) coatings have received a lot of interest recently as strontium (Sr) has been shown to have the dual benefit of promoting bone formation and reducing bone resorption, in vivo. In this work, SrHA coatings were deposited onto polycrystalline titanium surfaces using radio frequency (RF) magnetron co-sputtering and compared to those deposited from HA alone. In particular, the influence of different levels of Sr-substitution of the sputtering targets (5 and 13% Sr-substituted HA targets) on the properties of the deposited coatings produced at a low discharge power level (150 W) were investigated using FTIR, XPS, XRD, ToFSIMS and AFM techniques (both before and after annealing at 500 °C). The results show that Sr could be successfully incorporated into the HA lattice to form SrHA coatings and that they contained no other impurities. However, the coating produced from the 13% Sr-substituted target had a higher Ca+Sr/P ratio (1.95±0.14) and Sr content when compared to the coating produced from the 5% Sr-substituted target (1.58±0.20). The deposition rate also decreased with increasing Sr content of the sputtering targets. Furthermore, as the Sr content of the coatings increased, so did the preferred 002 orientation of the coating along with increased surface roughness and heterogeneity of the surface features. Therefore, this study has shown that RF magnetron sputtering offers a means to control attendant properties of Sr-substituted HA, such as the crystallinity, stoichiometry, phase purity and surface topography.

A novel nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering based on chitosan–silk sericin/hydroxyapatite: biomimetic synthesis and its cytocompatibility

Scheme of the formation mechanism of CS–SS/HA-s and CS–SS/HA-g nanocomposites.

Influence of Growth Parameters on the Formation of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) Nanostructures and Their Cell Viability Studies

Morphology controlled hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanostructures play a vital role in biomedical engineering, tissue regenerative medicine, biosensors, chemotherapeutic applications, environmental remediation, etc. The present work investigates the influence of temperature, pH and time on the growth of HAp nanostructures using a simple, cost effective and surfactant free chemical approach. The obtained HAp nanostructures were systematically investigated by analytical techniques such as XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD analysis showed that the hexagonal structure of the hydroxyapatite and average crystallite size was estimated from this analysis. The electron microscopic analysis confirmed the different morphologies obtained by varying the synthesis parameters such as temperature, pH and time. The elemental composition was determined through EDS analysis. FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups and the purity and crystallinity of the samples. The biocompatibility and adhesion nature of samples was examined with mouse preosteoblast cells. The obtained results demonstrated good biocompatibility and excellent focal adhesion.

Evaluation of novel in situ synthesized nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/alginate hydrogels for osteochondral tissue engineering

Collagen hydrogel has been widely used for osteochondral repair, but its mechanical properties cannot meet the requirements of clinical application. Previous studies have shown that the addition of either polysaccharide or inorganic particles could reinforce the polymer matrix. However, their synergic effects on collagen-based hydrogel have seldom been studied, and the potential application of triple-phased composite gel in osteochondral regeneration has not been reported. In this study, nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) reinforced collagen-alginate hydrogel (nHCA) was prepared by the in situ synthesis of nano-HA in collagen gel followed by the addition of alginate and Ca(2+). The properties of triple-phased nHCA hydrogel were studied and compared with pure collagen and biphasic gels, and the triple-phased composite of collagen-alginate-HA gels showed a superiority in not only mechanical but also biological features, as evidenced by the enhanced tensile and compressive modulus, higher cell viability, faster cell proliferation and upregulated hyaline cartilage markers. In addition, it was found that the synthesis process could also affect the properties of the triple-phased composite, compared to blend-mixing HCA. The in situ-synthesized nHCA hydrogel showed an enhanced tensile modulus, as well as enhanced biological features compared with HCA. Our study demonstrated that the nHCA composite hydrogel holds promise in osteochondral regeneration. The addition of alginate and nano-HA contribute to the increase in both mechanical and biological properties. This study may provide a valuable reference for the design of an appropriate composite scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering.

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite prepared under various pH conditions

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) has sovereign biomedical application due to its excellent biocompatibility, chemical and crystallographic similitude with natural human bone. In this present work, we discussed about the role of pH in the synthesis of calcium phosphate compound using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate as starting materials by chemical precipitation method assisted with ultrasonic irradiation technique. 5% polyethylene glycol (PEG600) is added along with the precursors under various pH condition of 7, 9 and 11 respectively. The functional group analysis, crystallized size and fraction of crystallized size are confirmed using Fourier Transformation Infra-Red spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern. Morphological observations are done by scanning electron microscope. The results revealed the presence of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite at pH above 9.

Carbonate hydroxyapatite and silicon-substituted carbonate hydroxyapatite: synthesis, mechanical properties, and solubility evaluations

The present study investigates the chemical composition, solubility, and physical and mechanical properties of carbonate hydroxyapatite (CO₃Ap) and silicon-substituted carbonate hydroxyapatite (Si-CO₃Ap) which have been prepared by a simple precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques were used to characterize the formation of CO₃Ap and Si-CO₃Ap. The results revealed that the silicate (SiO₄⁴⁻) and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions competed to occupy the phosphate (PO₄³⁻) site and also entered simultaneously into the hydroxyapatite structure. The Si-substituted CO₃Ap reduced the powder crystallinity and promoted ion release which resulted in a better solubility compared to that of Si-free CO₃Ap. The mean particle size of Si-CO₃Ap was much finer than that of CO₃Ap. At 750°C heat-treatment temperature, the diametral tensile strengths (DTS) of Si-CO₃Ap and CO₃Ap were about 10.8 ± 0.3 and 11.8 ± 0.4 MPa, respectively.

Magnesium in the murine artery: probing the products of corrosion

Many publications are available on the physiological and pseudophysiological corrosion of magnesium and its alloys for bioabsorbable implant application, yet few focus on the characterization of explanted materials. In this work, commercially pure magnesium wires were corroded in the arteries of rats for up to 1 month, removed, and both bulk and surface products characterized. Surface characterization using infrared spectroscopy revealed a duplex structure comprising heavily magnesium-substituted hydroxyapatite that later transformed into an A-type (carbonate-substituted) hydroxyapatite. To explain this transformation, an ion-exchange mechanism is suggested. Elemental mapping of the bulk products of biocorrosion revealed the elemental distribution of Ca, P, Mg and O in the outer and Mg, O and P in the inner layers. Carbon was not observed in any significant quantity from the inner corrosion layer, suggesting that carbonates are not a prevalent product of corrosion. Backscatter electron imaging of cross-sections showed that thinning or absence of the hydroxyapatite in the later stages of degradation is related to local thickening of the inner corrosion layer. Based on these experimental observations, mechanisms describing corrosion in the quasi-steady state and during terminal breakdown of the magnesium specimens are proposed.