Synthesis, Characterization and Bioactivity of Chitosan Hydroxyapatite Composite Doped with Strontium

Abstract

Chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite doped with strontium was synthesised via in situ co-precipitation method. Physicochemical properties of the composite obtained were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Thermogravimetry with differential thermal analysis (DT-TGA). The synthesized composite was subjected to bioactivity studies in simulated body fluid (SBF). The calcium release from the sample in SBF was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The physicochemical properties and bioactivity of the novel composite was compared with that of hydroxyapatite, strontium doped hydroxyapatite and chitosan hydroxyapatite. The in vitro bioactivity studies of the novel composite showed that it has a higher release of Ca2+ in the SBF compared to the other samples. The novel material was also found to induce more Ca2+ deposition after 28 days of immersion in the SBF. Hence, the novel composite material has the potential to be used as biomaterials for clinical application.