Composite Based on Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (HA/β-TCP) and Nanocellulose from the Açaí Tegument

Abstract

The use of lignocellulosic remnants of the açaí agro-business will benefit the environment with a precursor material for biomedical applications. Nanocellulose (NC) allows the biomimetic growth of biphasic ceramics on its surface, with characteristics compatible with bone tissue, including bioactive properties and biocompatibility. In this study, the composites were obtained from açaí tegument (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.) NC using acid hydrolysis. The characterization performed by scanning electron microscopy showed the characteristic crystals of hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium triphosphate (β-TCP) based on the results of X-ray diffraction, with the peak at 22°, showing the NC nucleation of HA and peak at 17° showing tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of O-H at 3400 cm−1 and C-H at 2900 cm−1, which is characteristic of cellulose; peaks were also observed at 1609 cm−1, verifying the reduction in lignin content. Groups PO4−3 at approximately 1070 cm−1, P-OH at 910–1040 cm−1, and HCO3− at 2450 cm−1 confirmed the formation of HA and β-TCP. The zeta potential had a range of −11 ± 23.8 mV related to particle size, which had a range of 164.2 × 10−9–4748 × 10−9 m.