Investigating the Structure, Solubility, and Antibacterial Efficacy of Silver and Copper Doped Hydroxyapatite

Date

2017-04

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Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was formed by the wet precipitation method where two experimental compositions were synthesized where calcium nitrate (CaNO3) was partially replaced with 10%mol substitutions of copper nitrate (CuNO3) and silver nitrate (AgNO3). Each HA composition was formulated to reflect the natural calcium to phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio of 1.67. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) determined that the dopants were successfully incorporated in the structure of the materials. Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) determined that the actual Ca/P ratios of the powders were 1.63 for the control (HA) while Ag-HA and Cu-HA had (X+Ca)/P ratios of 1.79 and 1.65 respectively. Antibacterial properties were evaluated using the broth dilution method and estimation of colony forming units (CFU) with respect to exposed surface area. The more prominent antibacterial effects were observed at lower concentrations with both Ag-HA and Cu-HA (1m2 for E. coli and 2m2 for S. aureus). Ion release studies of each HA composition post-incubation at 37°C for 15, 30, and 45 days, Cu-HA experienced significantly more Cu release than Ag from Ag-HA at all measured time intervals. After 45 days of incubation the mean ion release of Ag and Cu were 2.9±1.2 mg/L and 36.1±5.1 mg/L respectively. SEM surface analysis of all three HA compositions incubated in SBF show surface depositions that are most likely apatite, indicating that the synthesized materials will likely exhibit strong bioactivity and bone bonding in vivo.

Description

Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Alfred University Honors Program.

Keywords

Honors thesis, Skeletal System, Bones, Hydroxyapatite

Citation

DOI