Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Ag Nanocomposites Using Areca Nut Peel Bioreductors (Areca catechu L.) for Antibacterial Applications

Abstract

Calcium Hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is an important material utilized in bone, tooth enamel, and dentin. In this study, areca nut peel bioreductors (Areca catechu L.) were used to synthesize HAp-Ag nanocomposites using green synthesis method. The effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) amount on the structure and morphologies of the synthesized HAp-Ag nanocomposites were investigated. The XRD showed that the crystal size of synthesized HAp-Ag nanocomposites is 1-100 nm with a degree of crystallinity above 60%. SEM images showed that the particles of HAp-Ag nanocomposites were nano-sized with uneven spherical shape. The antibacterial activity test was carried out against Staphylococcusaureus and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion test. The result showed that AgNPs incorporated in modified HAp inhibited Gram-negative bacteria more efficiently than Gram-Positive bacteria. Based on the antibacterial test results, the hydroxyapatites were effective against all tested microorganisms. Therefore, it can be considered as an antimicrobial biomaterial that can be used in implant and reconstructive surgery applications.