Double Minerals Ions Co-substituted Nano-Hydroxyapatite Based Biocomposite Implant for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The biocomposite of cerium(III)-copper(II) minerals co-substituted hydroxyapatite (Ce-Cu-HA)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was developed using a process of solvent evaporation. The analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) confirmed the formation of Ce-Cu-HA in the PMMA matrix. In addition, the fabricated biocomposite demonstrated high antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli, which might be attributed to the action of Ce³⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions release on the substrate that blocks the cell transport pathways contributing to apoptosis. Biocomposites have been tested in osteoblast-like cells for their biological properties (biocompatibilty, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition). Based on the present findings, it was proposed that Ce-Cu-HA/PMMA biocomposite could be a possible therapeutic candidate for bone tissue regeneration.