Altering the Morphological Properties of Nano-Scale Hydroxyapatite Via Sol-Gel Synthesis.

Abstract

Background: Bone defects and infections are significant clinical challenges facing maxillofacial and orthopaedic surgeons. These conditions can arise from trauma, cancer or infections, leading to bone tissue loss and structural changes requiring intervention and treatment. Traditional approaches to bone regeneration and infection management have limitations (e.g., immunological rejection by the host, transmission of diseases and costs); this highlights the need for innovative solutions to overcome the clinical obstacles associated with traditional treatment of bone defects. Nano-hydroxyapatite biomaterials have shown promising effects when used as bone graft substitutes because they promote bone tissue growth, making them candidates for addressing bone defects. Materials and Methods: Nano-scale hydroxyapatite was synthesised via the sol-gel method, three with different stirring speeds overnight and the fourth batch with 5 g of 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) stirred at medium stir speed overnight. After that, the supernatant was poured off, and the nHA was washed until the conductivity was stable. The suspensions were dried to a powder (for characterisation) in the oven at 60°C overnight. The samples were characterised using x-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify the crystal phases, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to image the particle shapes and zeta potential to analyse the surface charge. Results: All samples were successfully crystallised based on the XRD results. The main crystal phase of all the experimental samples was identified precisely and matched those specified in (pure hydroxyapatite, JCPDS card #09-0432), but the samples prepared had a lower degree of crystallinity than the ReproBone® novo. In addition, the stirring speed and/or the addition of APTES affected the size, morphology, particle aggregate and surface charge. Conclusion: Within the study's limits, it was concluded that the difference in the stirring speeds and/or the addition of APTES affect intense crystallisation. In addition, that affects the size, morphology, aggregate of particles and the surface charge of the particles. Thus, knowing the causes and effects of these changes may contribute to the synthesis of HA with better biocompatible and mechanical properties.