In vitro study of carbonated hydroxyapatite compacts prepared by double-step hydrothermal method

Abstract

Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHAp) is a substituted apatite, which closely resembles the inorganic constituent of bone. Therefore, CHAp is widely investigated for its use as bone substitute material. To determine the apatite forming ability of CHAp, we prepared compacts of CHAp using double-step hydrothermal method and soaked them in a simulated body fluid (SBF). CHAp compacts were prepared using ammonium carbonate and urea as solvents in the hydrothermal setup. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed formation of fibrous apatite on the CHAp surface. The calcium and phosphorus analysis of SBF showed formation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) on the CHAp. The results showed carbonate ions influences the stoichiometry of hydroxyapatite (HAp) deposited from SBF.