Synthesis of hydroxyapatite whisker membranes for use as biocompatible and recyclable filters for bacterial removal

Abstract

Polymer nanofibers have been applied extensively for developing biocompatible filters to remove bacteria from aqueous solutions. However, recycling and reusing these polymer nanofibers is very difficult. In this study, hydroxyapatite whisker membranes were employed as biocompatible and recyclable filters for bacterial removal. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the membranes comprised numerous whiskers with diameters of 286 ± 97 nm, and a fibrous and porous structure. Bacterial filtration experiments showed that the membranes completely removed Staphylococcus aureus (model bacterium) from a bacterial suspension with a filtration efficiency of 100%. After bacterial filtration, the membranes could be recycled by removing the bacteria using the conventional sterilization method. Furthermore, the recycled membranes could be reused as filters for bacterial removal with a filtration efficiency of 100%.