HAp/β-TCP Biphasic Ceramics Obtained by the Pechini Method: An Antibacterial Approach

Abstract

Calcium phosphates (CaPs) have broad applications in biomedicine, with the most used phases being hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) due to their similarity with natural bone. There are several methods for obtaining CaPs. However, the Pechini method attracts much attention due to its advantages: homogeneous molecular mixing, obtaining nanocrystalline particles, low processing temperature, generating nanometric particles, and simplicity. However, this method is little discussed for the synthesis of CaPs. This work aimed to synthesize CaPs using the Pechini method, analyzing the antibacterial properties. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD confirmed obtaining the biphasic ceramic of HAp, with no other phase as an impurity, where the ratio between citric acid and ethylene glycol (AC/EG) influenced the percentage of HAp phases and β-TCP formed. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a mass loss of approximately 7%. SEM observed the formation of post-agglomerates and irregular shapes. The bacteriological test was satisfactory. The samples showed above 25% inhibition for the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.