Investigation of different synthesis parameters of hydroxyapatite for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite undoubtedly has vital roles in tissue engineering applications. The fabrication methods and different treatments lead distinct properties in hydroxyapatite crystals, including particle, size, shape, and surface features. In this study, we applied sol-gel synthesis route for hydroxyapatite production which offers relatively cost available and high yield of product. The influence of initial pH parameter and various temperature treatments on properties of hydroxyapatite were investigated. The leading hydroxyapatite powders have been compared in terms of their morphological and chemical structures by XRD and SEM analyses. The incipient pH in which the precursor solutions introduced to one another had critical role in this synthesis reaction. This has determined major properties, such as the chemical composition, phase purity, product yield, and morphology. The reactions of precursor solutions with higher incipient pH contributed to high yield (86%) of pure HA possessing high thermal stability. On the other hand, in lower incipient pH (8) counterpart, β-TCP phase was detected upon treatment at 950 °C. We had used the acquired pure HA in dried form in chitosan based injectable hydrogel compositions with pro-angiogenic features designed for bone tissue regeneration and drug delivery applications.