Improving the Bioactivity of Hydroxyapatite Through Strontium Substitution and Forming a Composite with Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Abstract

To overcome the limitations of hydroxyapatite, such as low mechanical strength, inappropriate degradation rate, and poor biological response with respect to bone apatite and growing interest on Sr doped hydroxyapatite, due to the advanced bone recovery and improved bioactivity of Sr and the non-toxic, graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) towards the biomedical applications, the present work focuses on synthesis of HAP/GCN and Sr-HAP/GCN composites by chemical precipitation followed by the hydrothermal treatment. The characteristic properties of these composites were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction measurements, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The bioactivity of HAP/GCN and Sr-HAP/GCN composites was evaluated by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 ± 1°C for 14 days and the extent of formation of apatite on their surface is observed using optical microscope. When compared to HAP, HAP/GCN, and Sr-HAP/GCN, exhibit better bioactivity and among them Sr-HAP/GCN is promising for biomedical applications.