Synthesis and evaluation of the bioactivity of fluorapatite–45S5 bioactive glass nanocomposite

Abstract

This research study concerns the evaluations of nano-biocomposite ceramics’ characteristics and biocompatibility. A nanocomposite with 45S5 bioactive glass base has been synthesized by sol–gel method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized with the help of different techniques, using field-emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate the crystal structure, microstructure, and the morphology of the nanocomposite. The results indicated that the synthesis of 45S5 bioactive glass–fluorapatite nanocomposites produced an average particle size of about 20–30 nm and percentages of crystallinity of about 70–90%. fluorapatite–45S5 bioactive glass nanocomposites were characterized in terms of their degradation by determining the weight change percentages, pH changes, the ion release and in terms of bioactivity by checking the apatite layer formation using a solution of simulated body fluid (SBF). The results showed non-cytotoxicity and the formation of a thick apatite layer on the synthesized nanocomposites within 28 days after soaking in SBF. This is an indication of desirable bioactivity in the synthesized particles.