Effect of ultrasound irradiation on the production of nHAp/MWCNT nanocomposites

Confined Water Dynamics in the Scaffolds of Polylactic Acid

Resorbable polylactic acid (PLA) ultrathin fibers have been applied as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to their micro- and nanoporous structure that favor cell adhesion, besides inducing cell proliferation and upregulating gene expression related to tissue regeneration. Incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes into PLA fibers has been reported to increase the mechanical properties of the scaffold, making them even more suitable for tissue engineering applications. Ideally, scaffolds should be degraded simultaneously with tissue growth. Hydration and swelling are factors related to scaffold degradation. Hydration would negatively impact the mechanical properties since PLA shows hydrolytic degradation. Water absorption critically affects the catalysis and allowance of the hydrolysis reactions. Moreover, either mass transport and chemical reactions are influenced by confined water, which is an unexplored subject for PLA micro- and nanoporous fibers. Here, we probe and investigate confined water onto highly porous PLA microfibers containing few amounts of incorporated carbon nanotubes by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A hydrostatic pressure was applied to the fibers to enhance the intermolecular interactions between water molecules and C=O groups from polyester bonds, which were evaluated over the wavenumber between 1600 and 2000 cm-1. The analysis of temperature dependence of FTIR spectra indicated the presence of confined water which is characterized by a non-Arrhenius to Arrhenius crossover at T0 = 190 K for 1716 and 1817 cm-1 carbonyl bands of PLA. These bands are sensitive to a hydrogen bond network of confined water. The relevance of our finding relies on the challenge detecting confined water in hydrophobic cavities as in the PLA one. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first report referring the presence of confined water in a hydrophobic scaffold as PLA for tissue engineering. Our findings can provide new opportunities to understand the role of confined water in tissue engineering applications. For instance, we argue that PLA degradation may be affected the most by confined water. PLA degradation involves hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation reactions, which can both be sensitive to changes in water properties.

Biomineralization inspired engineering of nanobiomaterials promoting bone repair

A biomineralization processes is disclosed for engineering nanomaterials that support bone repair. The material was fabricated through a hot press process using electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix covered with hybrid composites of carbon nanotubes/graphene nanoribbons (GNR) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA). Various scaffolds were devised [nHA/PLA, PLA/GNR, and PLA/nHA/GNR (1 and 3%)] and their structure and morphology characterized through Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Atomic force microscope (AFM). Moreover, thorough biocompatibility and toxicity studies were performed. Here, in vivo studies on toxicity and cytotoxicity were conducted in aqueous dispersions of the biomaterials at concentrations of 30, 60, and 120 μg/mL using the Allium cepa test. Further toxicity studies were performed through hemolysis toxicity tests and genotoxicity tests evaluating the damage index and damage frequencies of DNAs through comet assays with samples of the animals' peripheral blood, marrow, and liver. Additionally, the regenerative activity of the scaffolds was analyzed by measuring the cortical tibiae of rats oophorectomized implanted with the biomaterials. Biochemical analyzes [glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), urea, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were also performed on blood samples. The results suggested a toxicity and cytotoxicity level for the GNR biomaterials at a concentration of 60 and 120 μg/mL, but non-toxicity and cytotoxicity for the 30 μg/mL concentration. The scaffolds obtained at a concentration of 0.3 mg/cm² were not toxic in the hemolysis test and demonstrated no cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity in the blood, marrow, and liver analyzes of the animals, corroborating data from the biochemical markers of GPT, GOT, and urea. Tissue regeneration was performed in all groups and was more pronounced in the group containing the combination of nHA/GNR (3%), which is consistent with the data obtained for the calcium, serum phosphorus, and ALP concentrations. Consequently, the study indicates that the engineered nanobiomaterial is a promising candidate for bone tissue repair and regenerative applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The scientific contribution of this study is the engineering of a synthetic hybrid biomaterial, in nanoscale by a pressing and heating process. A biodegradable polymeric matrix was covered on both sides with a carbonated hybrid bioceramic/graphene nanoribbons (GNR), which has hydrophilic characteristics, with chemical elements stoichiometrically similar to bone mineral composition. The nanomaterial displayed promising bone regeneration ability, which is the first example to be used in an osteoporotic animal model. Moreover, detailed biocompatibility and toxicity studies were performed on the nanomaterials and their compositions, which is of great interest for the scientific community.

Raman spectroscopy-multivariate analysis related to morphological surface features on nanomaterials applied for dentin coverage

Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the effect of coating materials and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF) treatment on dentin before and after erosion-abrasion cycles. A multi-walled carbon nanotube/graphene oxide hybrid carbon-based material (MWCNTO-GO), nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp), or a combined composite (nHAp/MWCNTO-GO) were used as a coating. Seventy root dentin fragments obtained from 40 bovine teeth were prepared and divided into groups (n = 10): negative control, artificial saliva - C, positive control - APF; nHAp; MWCNTO-GO; APF_nHAp; APF_MWCNTO-GO and APF_nHAp/MWCNTO-GO. All samples were subjected to cycles of demineralization (orange juice, pH ~3.7, room temperature, 1 min) followed by remineralization (saliva, 37 °C, 1 h). The remineralization procedures were followed by tooth brushing (150 strokes). The above cycle was repeated 3×/day for 5 days. The previous APF treatment of dentin allowed a better affinity of nHAp and MWCNTO-GO with the inorganic and organic portion of dentin, respectively. This interaction indicates the formation of a protective layer for the dentin surface and for the collagen giving possible protection against erosion. SEM micrographs illustrated the formation of a protective layer after application of the biomaterials and that it was partially or totally removed after the erosion and abrasion. Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis could distinguish samples with respect to treatment efficacy. The APF_nHAP/MWCNT-GO composite has shown to be a promising material since it has binding characteristics both to the inorganic and organic portion of the dentin and reduced solubility. Mineral-to-matrix ratio (MMR) parameter analysis confirmed the binding capability of MWCNTO-GO-based materials to dentin.

In vitro osteogenesis process induced by hybrid nanohydroxyapatite/graphene nanoribbons composites

Carbon nanotubes combine high bend and mechanical strength, which is advantageous for many structural and biomedical purposes. Recently, some biomaterials, based on carbon nanostructures and nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp), have been investigated as bone substitutes in order to improve regeneration. The aim of this study was to access the expression of some RNA transcripts (involved in the process of osteoblast differentiation) by mesenchymal stem cells cultured over different nanocomposite surfaces. A multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was firstly grown using chemical vapor deposition and then exfoliated using chemical and oxygen plasma treatments to obtain graphene nanoribbons (GNR). The hybrid composites nHAp/GNR were prepared using the wet method assisted by ultrasound irradiation with different amounts of GNR (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 wt %). Five groups were tested in cell cultures. Group 1: synthesized nHAp; Group 2: synthesized GNR; Group 3: nHAp and 1.0% of GNR; Group 4: nHAp and 2.0% of GNR and group 5: nHAp and 3.0% of GNR. Real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions were performed, and all data was submitted to Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests, at a significance level of 5%. As a result, three nanocomposites with different proportions of GNR were successfully produced. After cell culture, the expression of osteogenic genes demonstrated no significant differences among the groups and periods. However, bone morphogenetic protein II (BMP II), integrin binding sialoprotein (IBSP), and Osterix highest expressions were observed in the group containing 3.0% of GNR. In conclusion, our hybrid composites may be useful in bone interventions requiring mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts for healing.

Production and Characterization of Porous Polymeric Membranes of PLA/PCL Blends with the Addition of Hydroxyapatite

Polymer membranes have been widely used in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). The literature recognizes that poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends have better physicochemical properties and that a porous polymer surface facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, hydroxyapatite (HAp) incorporated into the polymer matrix promotes osteoinduction properties and osteoconduction to the polymer-ceramic biocomposite. Therefore, polymer membranes of PLA/PCL blend with the addition of HAp could be an alternative to be used in GBR. HAp was obtained by precipitation using the mixture of solutions of tetrahydrate calcium nitrate and monobasic ammonium phosphate salts. The porous membranes of the PLA/PCL (80/20) blend with the addition of HAp were obtained by solvent casting with a controlled humidity method, with the dispersion of HAp in chloroform and subsequent solubilization with the components of the blend. The solution was poured into molds for solvent evaporation under a controlled humidity atmosphere. The membranes showed the formation of pores on their surface, together with dispersed HAp particles. The results showed an increase in the surface porosity and improved bioactivity properties with the addition of HAp. Moreover, in biological studies with cell culture, it was possible to observe that the membranes with HAp have no cytotoxic effect on MC3T3 cells. These results indicate a promising use of the new biomaterial for GBR.

Incorporation of Collagen from Marine Sponges (Spongin) into Hydroxyapatite Samples: Characterization and In Vitro Biological Evaluation

Biomaterial-based bone grafts have an important role in the field of bone tissue engineering. One of the most promising classes of biomaterials is collagen, including the ones from marine biodiversity (in general, called spongin (SPG)). Also, hydroxyapatite (HA) has an important role in stimulating bone metabolism. Therefore, this work investigated the association of HA and SPG composites in order to evaluate their physico-chemical and morphological characteristics and their in vitro biological performance. For this, pre-set composite disks were evaluated by means of mass loss after incubation, pH, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and "in vitro" cell viability. pH measurements showed no statistical difference between groups. Moreover, a higher mass loss was observed for HA/SPG70/30 compared to the other groups for all experimental periods. Moreover, SEM representative micrographs showed the degradation of the samples with and without immersion. FTIR analysis demonstrated the absorption peaks for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), HA, and SPG. A higher L292 cell viability for control and PMMA was observed compared to HA and HA/SPG 90/10. Also, HA/SPG 70/30 showed higher cell viability compared to HA and HA/SPG 90/10 on days 3 and 7 days of culture. Furthermore, HA showed a significant lower MC3T3 cell viability compared to control and HA/SPG 70/30 on day 3 and no significant difference was observed between the composites in the last experimental period. Based on our investigations, it can be concluded that the mentioned composites were successfully obtained, presenting improved biological properties, especially the one mimicking the composition of bone (with 70% of HA and 30% of SPG). Consequently, these data highlight the potential of the introduction of SPG into HA to improve the performance of the graft for bone regeneration applications. Further long-term studies should be carried out to provide additional information concerning the late stages of material degradation and bone healing in the presence of HA/SPG.

S. N. SN, Sagadevan S, Hoque ME, Kulandaivelu R. Advanced lithium substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for antimicrobial and hemolytic studies

In this study, pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) and lithium substituted hydroxyapatite (Li-HAP) nanoparticles were synthesized by a sonochemical synthesis process and investigated for their antimicrobial and hemolytic activities.

Effects of ultrasonic agitation time on wet chemical synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite

In this study, the synthesis of the nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) powders by way of wet chemical method is reported. Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca(NO3)2·H2O) and dibasic ammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) were used as calcium and phosphorus sources, respectively. The effect of ultrasonic agitation time has been systematically studied between 30 and 150 min at the temperature of 70°C. Structural, morphological, spectroscopic and thermal analysis have been carried out by way of X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry analysis. It is shown that the ultrasonic agitation conditions significantly affect the crystallite size, dislocation density and microstrain of the powders calculated by way of the Debye–Scherrer formula. Thermal analyses reveal that the ultrasonic agitation treatment has a very beneficial effect on the fabrication of the powders by the wet chemical method due to the inhibition of physisorbed and chemisorbed water and the calcium deficiency. Magnetic stirring treatment is found to lead to larger nHAp nanoparticle agglomerations due to more water absorption. The results offer a promising route towards the scalable synthesis of the pure-phase nHAp powders with controllable structural and morphological properties, which could be useful in various types of basic and applied research on HAp-based materials.

In Vitro Osteogenesis Stimulation via Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Carbon Nanotube Thin Films on Biomedical Stainless Steel

We evaluated the electrophoretic deposition of nanohydroxyapatite/superhydrop hilic multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (nHAp/MWCNT) onto stainless steel biomedical alloys for applications in bone tissue engineering. First, nHAp/MWCNT composites were dispersed into 0.042 mol·L⁻¹ of Ca(NO₃)₂·4H₂O + 0.025 mol·L⁻¹ NH₄H₂PO₄ electrolytes (pH = 4.8) at two different concentrations. Next, a voltage of −2 V was applied using 316L stainless steel as a working electrode (0.27 cm²), a high-purity platinum coil wire was used as the auxiliary electrode, and an Ag/AgCl (3 M) electrode was used as the reference electrode. The nHAp/MWCNT composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The deposited nHAp and nHAp/MWCNT films were characterized by profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy. Human osteoblast cells were cultivated with the different materials and in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The osteogenesis process was evaluated by mRNA levels of the three genes that are directly related to bone repair: Alkaline Phosphatase, Osteopontin and Osteocalcin. We showed that rough, crystalline apatite thin films containing phases of nHAp were successfully deposited onto 316L stainless steel alloys. Also, we noticed that nHAp/MWCNT thin films deposited onto 316L stainless steel alloys upregulated the expression of important genes related to bone mineralization and maturation. Our results strongly support the possibility of this new alternative to modify the surface of metallic biomedical alloys to promote bone tissue regeneration.

Scanning Techniques for Nanobioconjugates of Carbon Nanotubes

Nanobioconjugates using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attractive and promising hybrid materials. Various biological applications using the CNT nanobioconjugates, for example, drug delivery systems and nanobiosensors, have been proposed by many authors. Scanning techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) have advantages to characterize the CNT nanobioconjugates under various conditions, for example, isolated conjugates, conjugates in thin films, and conjugates in living cells. In this review article, almost 300 papers are categorized based on types of CNT applications, and various scanning data are introduced to illuminate merits of scanning techniques.

Ultrasonic synthesis of hydroxyapatite in non-cavitation and cavitation modes

The size control of materials is of great importance in research and technology because materials of different size and shape have different properties and applications. This paper focuses on the synthesis of hydroxyapatite in ultrasound fields of different frequencies and intensities with the aim to find the conditions which allow control of the particles size. The results are evaluated by X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, morphological and sedimentation analyses. It is shown that the hydroxyapatite particles synthesized at low intensity non-cavitation regime of ultrasound have smaller size than those prepared at high intensity cavitation regime. The explanation of observed results is based on the idea of formation of vortices at the interface between phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide solution where the nucleation of hydroxyapatite particles is taken place. Smaller vortices formed at high frequency non-cavitation ultrasound regime provide smaller nucleation sites and smaller resulting particles, compared to vortices and particles obtained without ultrasound. Discovered method has a potential of industrial application of ultrasound for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles.

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.

Surface modification using the biomimetic method in alumina-zirconia porous ceramics obtained by the replica method

The modification of biomaterials approved by the Food and Drug Administration could be an alternative to reduce the period of use in humans. Porous bioceramics are widely used as support structures for bone formation and repair. This composite has essential characteristics for an implant, including good mechanical properties, high chemical stability, biocompatibility and adequate aesthetic appearance. Here, three-dimensional porous scaffolds of Al₂ O₃ containing 5% by volume of ZrO₂ were produced by the replica method. These scaffolds had their surfaces chemically treated with phosphoric acid and were coated with calcium phosphate using the biomimetic method simulated body fluid (SBF, 5×) for 14 days. The scaffolds, before and after biomimetic coating, were characterized mechanically, morphologically and structurally by axial compression tests, scanning electron microscopy, microtomography, apparent porosity, X-ray diffractometry, near-infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and reactivity. The in vitro cell viability and formation of mineralization nodules were used to identify the potential for bone regeneration. The produced scaffols after immersion in SBF were able to induce the nodules formation. These characteristics are advantaged by the formation of different phases of calcium phosphates on the material surface in a reduced incubation period. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2615-2624, 2018.

PDLLA honeycomb-like scaffolds with a high loading of superhydrophilic graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes promote osteoblast in vitro functions and guided in vivo bone regeneration

Herein, we developed honeycomb-like scaffolds by combining poly (d, l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) with a high amount of graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotube oxides (MWCNTO-GO, 50% w/w). From pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) powders, we produced MWCNTO-GO via oxygen plasma etching (OPE), which promoted their exfoliation and oxidation. Initially, we evaluated PDLLA and PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO scaffolds for tensile strength tests, cell adhesion and cell viability (with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, a marker of osteoblast differentiation) activity and mineralized nodule formation. In vivo tests were carried out using PDLLA and PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO scaffolds as fillers for critical defects in the tibia of rats. MWCNTO-GO loading was responsible for decreasing the tensile strength and elongation-at-break of PDLLA scaffolds, although the high mechanical performance observed (~600MPa) assures their application in bone tissue regeneration. In vitro results showed that the scaffolds were not cytotoxic and allowed for osteoblast-like cell interactions and the formation of mineralized matrix nodules. Furthermore, MG-63 cells grown on PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO significantly enhanced osteoblast ALP activity compared to controls (cells alone), while the PDLLA group showed similar ALP activity when compared to controls and PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO. Most impressively, in vivo tests suggested that compared to PDLLA scaffolds, PDLLA/MWCNTO-GO had a superior influence on bone cell activity, promoting greater new bone formation. In summary, the results of this study highlighted that this novel scaffold (MWCNTO-GO, 50% w/w) is a promising alternative for bone tissue regeneration and, thus, should be further studied.

Graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as nanofeatured scaffolds for the assisted deposition of nanohydroxyapatite: characterization and biological evaluation

Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) is an emergent bioceramic that shows similar chemical and crystallographic properties as the mineral phase present in bone. However, nHAp presents low fracture toughness and tensile strength, limiting its application in bone tissue engineering. Conversely, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been widely used for composite applications due to their excellent mechanical and physicochemical properties, although their hydrophobicity usually impairs some applications. To improve MWCNT wettability, oxygen plasma etching has been applied to promote MWCNT exfoliation and oxidation and to produce graphene oxide (GO) at the end of the tips. Here, we prepared a series of nHAp/MWCNT-GO nanocomposites aimed at producing materials that combine similar bone characteristics (nHAp) with high mechanical strength (MWCNT-GO). After MWCNT production and functionalization to produce MWCNT-GO, ultrasonic irradiation was employed to precipitate nHAp onto the MWCNT-GO scaffolds (at 1-3 wt%). We employed various techniques to characterize the nanocomposites, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and gas adsorption (the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method). We used simulated body fluid to evaluate their bioactivity and human osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) to evaluate cytocompatibility. We also investigated their bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. TEM analysis revealed homogeneous distributions of nHAp crystal grains along the MWCNT-GO surfaces. All nanocomposites were proved to be bioactive, since carbonated nHAp was found after 21 days in simulated body fluid. All nanocomposites showed potential for biomedical applications with no cytotoxicity toward osteoblasts and impressively demonstrated a bactericidal effect without the use of antibiotics. All of the aforementioned properties make these materials very attractive for bone tissue engineering applications, either as a matrix or as a reinforcement material for numerous polymeric nanocomposites.

Influence of low contents of superhydrophilic MWCNT on the properties and cell viability of electrospun poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) fibers

The use of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in tissue engineering, more specifically in bone regeneration, has been underexplored to date due to its poor mechanical resistance. In order to overcome this drawback, this investigation presents an approach into the preparation of electrospun nanocomposite fibers from PBAT and low contents of superhydrophilic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (sMWCNT) (0.1-0.5wt.%) as reinforcing agent. We employed a wide range of characterization techniques to evaluate the properties of the resulting electrospun nanocomposites, including Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), tensile tests, contact angle measurements (CA) and biological assays. FE-SEM micrographs showed that while the addition of sMWCNT increased the presence of beads on the electrospun fibers' surfaces, the increase of the neat charge density due to their presence reduced the fibers' average diameter. The tensile test results pointed that sMWCNT acted as reinforcement in the PBAT electrospun matrix, enhancing its tensile strength (from 1.3 to 3.6MPa with addition of 0.5wt.% of sMWCNT) and leading to stiffer materials (lower elongation at break). An evaluation using MG63 cells revealed cell attachment into the biomaterials and that all samples were viable for biomedical applications, once no cytotoxic effect was observed. MG-63 cells osteogenic differentiation, measured by ALP activity, showed that mineralized nodules formation was increased in PBAT/0.5%CNTs when compared to control group (cells). This investigation demonstrated a feasible novel approach for producing electrospun nanocomposites from PBAT and sMWCNT with enhanced mechanical properties and adequate cell viability levels, which allows for a wide range of biomedical applications for these materials.

Assisted deposition of nano-hydroxyapatite onto exfoliated carbon nanotube oxide scaffolds

Electrodeposited nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is more similar to biological apatite in terms of microstructure and dimension than apatites prepared by other processes. Reinforcement with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances its mechanical properties and increases adhesion of osteoblasts. Here, we carefully studied nHAp deposited onto vertically aligned multi-walled CNT (VAMWCNT) scaffolds by electrodeposition and soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF). VAMWCNTs are porous biocompatible scaffolds with nanometric porosity and exceptional mechanical and chemical properties. The VAMWCNT films were prepared on a Ti substrate by a microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method, and then oxidized and exfoliated by oxygen plasma etching (OPE) to produce graphene oxide (GO) at the VAMWCNT tips. The attachment of oxygen functional groups was found to be crucial for nHAp nucleation during electrodeposition. A thin layer of plate-like and needle-like nHAp with high crystallinity was formed without any need for thermal treatment. This composite (henceforth referred to as nHAp-VAMWCNT-GO) served as the scaffold for in vitro biomineralization when soaked in the SBF, resulting in the formation of both carbonate-rich and carbonate-poor globular-like nHAp. Different steps in the deposition of biological apatite onto VAMWCNT-GO and during the short-term biomineralization process were analysed. Due to their unique structure and properties, such nano-bio-composites may become useful in accelerating in vivo bone regeneration processes.

Bioactivity behaviour of nano-hydroxyapatite/freestanding aligned carbon nanotube oxide composite

Bioactive and low cytotoxic three dimensional nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and aligned carbon nanotube oxide (a-CNTO) composite has been investigated. First, freestanding aligned carbon nanotubes porous scaffold was prepared by large-scale thermal chemical vapour deposition and functionalized by oxygen plasma treatment, forming a-CNTO. The a-CNTO was covered with plate-like nHAp crystals prepared by in situ electrodeposition techniques, forming nHAp/a-CNTO composite. After that nHAp/a-CNTO composite was immersed in simulated body fluid for composite consolidation. This novel nanobiomaterial promotes mesenchymal stem cell adhesion with the active formation of membrane projections, cell monolayer formation and high cell viability.

Characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced hydroxyapatite composites consolidated by spark plasma sintering

Pure HA and 1, 3, 5, and 10 vol% multiwalled carbon nanotube- (MWNT-) reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) were consolidated using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The relative density of pure HA increased with increasing sintering temperature, but that of the MWNT/HA composite reached almost full density at 900°C, and then decreased with further increases in sintering temperature. The relative density of the MWNT/HA composites increased with increasing MWNT content due to the excellent thermal conductivity of MWNTs. The grain size of MWNT/HA composites decreased with increasing MWNT content and increased with increasing sintering temperature. Pull-out toughening of the MWNTs of the MWNT/HA composites was observed in the fractured surface, which can be used to predict the improvement of the mechanical properties. On the other hand, the existence of undispersed or agglomerate MWNTs in the MWNT/HA composites accompanied large pores. The formation of large pores increased with increasing sintering temperature and MWNT content. The addition of MWNT in HA increased the hardness and fracture toughness by approximately 3~4 times, despite the presence of large pores produced by un-dispersed MWNTs. This provides strong evidence as to why the MWNTs are good candidates as reinforcements for strengthening the ceramic matrix. The MWNT/HA composites did not decompose during SPS sintering. The MWNT-reinforced HA composites were non-toxic and showed a good cell affinity and morphology in vitro for 1 day.