Abstract
This paper presents the formulation, characterization, and in vitro studies of polymer composite material impregnated with naturally derived hydroxyapatite (HA) particulates for biomedical implant applications. Laevistrombus canarium (LC) seashells (SS) were collected, washed and cleaned, sun-dried for 24 h, and ground into powder particulates. The SS particulates of different weight percentages (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 wt%)-loaded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were fabricated by compression molding for comparative in vitro assessment. A temperature-controlled compression molding technique was used with the operating pressure of 2 to 3 bars for particulate retention in the HDPE matrix during molding. The HDPE/LC composite was fabricated and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and TGA. Mechanical properties such as tensile, compression, flexural, hardness, and also surface roughness were tested as per ASTM standards. Mass degradation and thermal stability of the HDPE/LC composite were evaluated at different temperatures ranging from 10 to 700 °C using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum tensile strength was found to be 27 ± 0.5 MPa for 30 wt% HDPE/LC composite. The thermal energy absorbed during endothermic processes was recorded as 71.24 J/g and the peak melting temperature (Tm) was found to be 128.4 °C for the same 30 wt% of HDPE/LC composite specimen. Excellent cell viability was observed during the in vitro biocompatibility study for EtO-sterilized 30 wt% of HDPE/LC composite specimen, except for a report of mild cytotoxicity in the case of higher concentration (50 µL) of the MG-63 cell line. The results demonstrate the potential of the fabricated composite as a suitable biomaterial for medical implant applications.
Highlights
IntroductionParticulate-filled composites are used in many fast-growing industries such as automobiles, aircraft, marine, and biomedical applications due to their low density, higher specific strength, low wear rate, good corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability
Particulate-filled composites are used in many fast-growing industries such as automobiles, aircraft, marine, and biomedical applications due to their low density, higher specific strength, low wear rate, good corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.Due to good mechanical properties, high specific strength, non-abrasive and eco-friendly properties, and cost effectiveness, they are utilized as a substitute for conventional fiber for reinforcement in composites
Synthesis of HAP through a wet chemical method from waste snail shells was reported by Santosh et al The morphology of HAP revealed the rod-shaped structure and crystallite size was about 101 nm
Summary
Particulate-filled composites are used in many fast-growing industries such as automobiles, aircraft, marine, and biomedical applications due to their low density, higher specific strength, low wear rate, good corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Due to good mechanical properties, high specific strength, non-abrasive and eco-friendly properties, and cost effectiveness, they are utilized as a substitute for conventional fiber for reinforcement in composites. HAP has been widely used as a bone graft material considered for medical application due to their similar chemical composition of bone. Synthesis of HAP through a wet chemical method from waste snail shells was reported by Santosh et al The morphology of HAP revealed the rod-shaped structure and crystallite size was about 101 nm. The development of HAP was reported by Gergely et al from naturally abundant eggshells.
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