Controlled drug delivery from porous hydroxyapatite grafts: An experimental and theoretical approach

Effects of Adding Chitosan on Drug Entrapment Efficiency and Release Duration for Paclitaxel-Loaded Hydroxyapatite-Gelatin Composite Microspheres

Hydroxyapatite-gelatin microspheres with cone-like pores were synthesized via the wet-chemical method using ammonium dihydrogen phosphate ((NH4)H2PO4) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2·4H2O) as a source of calcium and phosphate ions with the addition of gelatin, which proved to be more osteoconductive than commercial products, such as fibrin glue and Osteoset® Bone Graft Substitute. Following the method of the previous study for loading paclitaxel (PTX), a drug entrapment efficiency of around 58% was achieved, which is much lower than that of the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded one. Since PTX is hydrophobic while DOX is hydrophilic, the order of chitosan processing and addition of the solvent were tuned in this study, finally leading to an increase in drug entrapment efficiency of 94%. Additionally, the release duration of PTX exceeded six months. The MTT assay indicated that the effect of drug release on the suppression of cancer cells reached more than 40% after one week, thereby showcasing PTX's capacity to carry out its medicinal functions without being affected by the loading procedures.

The combined effects of binder addition and different sintering methods on the mechanical properties of bovine hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite (HA) from bovine bones has been used as a biomaterial in dentistry due to its biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, dense HA bioceramics still present inadequate properties for applications that require high mechanical performance, such as infrastructure. Microstructural reinforcements and control of ceramic processing steps are methods to improve these shortcomings. The present study assessed the effects of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) addition in combination with two sintering methodologies (2-step and conventional), on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline bovine HA bioceramics. The samples were divided into four groups (with 15 samples per group): conventional sintering with binder (HBC) and without binder (HWC) and 2-step sintering with (HB2) and without binder (HW2). HA was extracted from bovine bones, turned into nanoparticles in a ball mill, and subjected to uniaxial and isostatic pressing into discs, according to ISO 6872 standards. All groups were characterized by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and relative density. Besides, mechanical analyses (biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and modulus of elasticity) were also performed. The characterization results demonstrated that adding agglutinants or the sintering method did not affect HA's chemical and structural characteristics. Even so, the HWC group showed the highest mechanical values for BFS and modulus of elasticity being 109.0 (98.0; 117.0) MPa and 105.17 ± 14.65 GPa, respectively. The HA ceramics submitted to conventional sintering and without the addition of binders achieved better mechanical properties than the other groups. The impacts of each variable were discussed and correlated to the final microstructures and mechanical properties.

The processes behind drug loading and release in porous drug delivery systems

Porous materials are ubiquitous and exhibit properties suitable for depositing therapeutic compounds. Drug loading in porous materials can protect the drug, control its release rate, and improve its solubility. However, to achieve such outcomes from porous delivery systems, effective incorporation of the drug in the internal porosity of the carrier must be guaranteed. Mechanistic knowledge of the factors influencing drug loading and release from porous carriers allows rational design of formulations by selecting a suitable carrier for each application. Much of this knowledge exists in research areas other than drug delivery. Thus, a comprehensive overview of this topic from the drug delivery aspect is warranted. This review aims to identify the loading processes and carrier characteristics influencing the drug delivery outcome with porous materials. Additionally, the kinetics of drug release from porous materials are elucidated, and the common approaches to mathematical modeling of these processes are outlined.

Environmental Hazards of Nanobiomaterials (Hydroxyapatite-Based NMs)-A Case Study with Folsomia candida-Effects from Long Term Exposure

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a calcium phosphate used in many fields, including biomedical applications. In particular, ion-doped HA nanomaterials (nHA) are developed for their increased bioactivity, particularly in the fields of regenerative medicine and nanomedicine. In this study, we assessed the ecotoxicological impact of five nHA materials: a synthesized calcium hydroxyapatite (CaP-HA), superparamagnetic iron-doped hydroxyapatite (Fe-HA), titanium-doped hydroxyapatite (Ti-HA), alginate/titanium-doped hydroxyapatite hybrid composite (Ti-HA-Alg), and a commercial HA. The soil ecotoxicology model species Folsomia candida (Collembola) was used, and besides the standard reproduction test (28 days), an extension to the standard for one more generation was performed (56 days). Assessed endpoints included the standard survival and reproduction, and additionally, growth. Exposure via the standard (28 days) did not cause toxicity, but reproduction increased in commercial HA (significantly at 320 mg HA/kg) whereas via the extension (56 days) it decreased in all tested concentrations. Juveniles' size (56 days) was reduced in all tested nHA materials, except commercial HA. nHA materials seem to trigger a compromise between reproduction and growth. Long-term effects could not be predicted based on the standard shorter exposure; hence, the testing of at least two generations (56 days) is recommended to assess the toxicity of nanomaterials, particularly in F. candida. Further, we found that the inclusion of size as additional endpoint is highly relevant.

Role of nanostructured materials in hard tissue engineering

The rise in the use of biomaterials in bone regeneration in the last decade has exponentially multiplied the number of publications, methods, and approaches to improve and optimize their functionalities and applications. In particular, biomimetic strategies based on the self-assembly of molecules to design, create and characterize nanostructured materials have played a very relevant role. We address this idea on four different but related points: self-setting bone cements based on calcium phosphate, as stable tissue support and regeneration induction; metallic prosthesis coatings for cell adhesion optimization and prevention of inflammatory response exacerbation; bio-adhesive hybrid materials as multiple drug delivery localized platforms and finally bio-inks. The effect of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the newest biomedical devices on their bone tissue regenerative capacity are summarized, described, and analyzed in detail. The roles of experimental conditions, characterization methods and synthesis routes are emphasized. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges of nanostructured biomaterials with their advantages and shortcomings are proposed in order to forecast the future directions of this field of research.

The Physico-Chemical Properties and Exploratory Real-Time Cell Analysis of Hydroxyapatite Nanopowders Substituted with Ce, Mg, Sr, and Zn (0.5-5 at.%)

Cation-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA), standalone or as a composite (blended with polymers or metals), is currently regarded as a noteworthy candidate material for bone repair/regeneration either in the form of powders, porous scaffolds or coatings for endo-osseous dental and orthopaedic implants. As a response to the numerous contradictions reported in literature, this work presents, in one study, the physico-chemical properties and the cytocompatibility response of single cation-doped (Ce, Mg, Sr or Zn) HA nanopowders in a wide concentration range (0.5–5 at.%). The modification of composition, morphology, and structure was multiparametrically monitored via energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray photoelectron, Fourier-transform infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopy methods, as well as by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. From a compositional point of view, Ce and Sr were well-incorporated in HA, while slight and pronounced deviations were observed for Mg and Zn, respectively. The change of the lattice parameters, crystallite size, and substituting cation occupation factors either in the Ca(I) or Ca(II) sites were further determined. Sr produced the most important HA structural changes. The in vitro biological performance was evaluated by the (i) determination of leached therapeutic cations (by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and (ii) assessment of cell behaviour by both conventional assays (e.g., proliferation—3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl) 5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay; cytotoxicity—lactate dehydrogenase release assay) and, for the first time, real-time cell analysis (RTCA). Three cell lines were employed: fibroblast, osteoblast, and endothelial. When monophasic, the substituted HA supported the cells’ viability and proliferation without signs of toxicity. The RTCA results indicate the excellent adherence of cells. The study strived to offer a perspective on the behaviour of Ce-, Mg-, Sr-, or Zn-substituted HAs and to deliver a well-encompassing viewpoint on their effects. This can be highly important for the future development of such bioceramics, paving the road toward the identification of candidates with highly promising therapeutic effects.

Advanced Materials Based on Nanosized Hydroxyapatite

The development of new materials based on hydroxyapatite has undergone a great evolution in recent decades due to technological advances and development of computational techniques. The focus of this review is the various attempts to improve new hydroxyapatite-based materials. First, we comment on the most used processing routes, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. We will now focus on other routes, less common due to their specificity and/or recent development. We also include a block dedicated to the impact of computational techniques in the development of these new systems, including: QSAR, DFT, Finite Elements of Machine Learning. In the following part we focus on the most innovative applications of these materials, ranging from medicine to new disciplines such as catalysis, environment, filtration, or energy. The review concludes with an outlook for possible new research directions.

Hydroxyapatite, a multifunctional material for air, water and soil pollution control: A review

Hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂), a calcium phosphate biomaterial, is a very promising candidate for the treatment of air, water and soil pollution. Indeed, hydroxyapatite (Hap) can be extremely useful in the field of environmental management, due in one part to its particular structure and attractive properties, such as its great adsorption capacities, its acid-base adjustability, its ion-exchange capability and its good thermal stability. Moreover, Hap is able to constitute a valuable resource recovery route. The first part of this review will be dedicated towards presenting Hap's structure and defining properties that result in its viability as an environmental remediation material. The second will focus on its use as adsorbent for wastewater and soil treatment, while indicating the mechanisms involved in this remediation process. Finally, the last part will impart all findings on Hap's applications in the field of catalysis, whether it be as catalyst, as photocatalyst, or as active phase support. Hence, all of the above will have served in showcasing the benefits gained by employing hydroxyapatite in air, water and soil clean-up.

Physicochemical evaluation and in vitro hemocompatibility study on nanoporous hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite is an ideal biomaterial for bone tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility and hemocompatibility which have been widely studied by many researchers. The incorporation of nanoporosity into hydroxyapatite could transform the biomaterial into an effective adsorbent for uremic toxins removal especially in artificial kidney system. However, the effect of nanoporosity incorporation on the hemocompatibility of hydroxyapatite has yet to be answered. In this study, nanoporous hydroxyapatite was synthesized using hydrothermal technique and its hemocompatibility was determined. Non-ionic surfactants were used as soft templates to create porosity in the hydroxyapatite. The presence of pure hydroxyapatite phase in the synthesized samples is validated by X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The TEM images show that the hydroxyapatite formed rod-like particles with the length of 21-90 nm and diameter of 11-70 nm. The hydroxyapatite samples exhibit BET surface area of 33-45 m² g^-1 and pore volume of 0.35-0.44 cm³ g^-1. The hemocompatibility of the hydroxyapatite was determined via hemolysis test, platelet adhesion, platelet activation and blood clotting time measurement. The nanoporous hydroxyapatite shows less than 5% hemolysis, suggesting that the sample is highly hemocompatible. There is no activation and morphological change observed on the platelets adhered onto the hydroxyapatite. The blood clotting time demonstrates that the blood incubated with the hydroxyapatite did not coagulate. This study summarizes that the synthesized nanoporous hydroxyapatite is a highly hemocompatible biomaterial and could potentially be utilized in biomedical applications.

Controlled drug release from ultrasound-visualized elastic eccentric microcapsules using different resonant modes

The release rate of drug from elastic eccentric microcapsules can be regulated, based on their mode shapes and resonant natural frequencies.

Recent progress on fabrication and drug delivery applications of nanostructured hydroxyapatite

Through this brief review, we provide a comprehensive historical background of the development of nanostructured hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and its application potentials for controlled drug delivery, drug conjugation, and other biomedical treatments. Aspects associated with efficient utilization of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanostructures such as their synthesis, interaction with drug molecules, and other concerns, which need to be resolved before they could be used as a potential drug carrier in body system, are discussed. This review focuses on the evolution of perceptions, practices, and accomplishments in providing improved delivery systems for drugs until date. The pioneering developments that have presaged today's fascinating state of the art drug delivery systems based on HAp and HAp-based composite nanostructures are also discussed. Special emphasis has been given to describe the application and effectiveness of modified HAp as drug carrier agent for different diseases such as bone-related disorders, carriers for antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, carcinogenic drugs, medical imaging, and protein delivery agents. As only a very few published works made comprehensive evaluation of HAp nanostructures for drug delivery applications, we try to cover the three major areas: concepts, practices and achievements, and applications, which have been consolidated and patented for their practical usage. The review covers a broad spectrum of nHAp and HAp modified inorganic drug carriers, emphasizing some of their specific aspects those needed to be considered for future drug delivery applications. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Respiratory Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale.

Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics: A Review of Their History, Structure, Properties, Coating Technologies and Biomedical Applications

Calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics are widely used in the field of bone regeneration, both in orthopedics and in dentistry, due to their good biocompatibility, osseointegration and osteoconduction. The aim of this article is to review the history, structure, properties and clinical applications of these materials, whether they are in the form of bone cements, paste, scaffolds, or coatings. Major analytical techniques for characterization of CaPs, in vitro and in vivo tests, and the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international standards from CaP coatings on orthopedic and dental endosseous implants, are also summarized, along with the possible effect of sterilization on these materials. CaP coating technologies are summarized, with a focus on electrochemical processes. Theories on the formation of transient precursor phases in biomineralization, the dissolution and reprecipitation as bone of CaPs are discussed. A wide variety of CaPs are presented, from the individual phases to nano-CaP, biphasic and triphasic CaP formulations, composite CaP coatings and cements, functionally graded materials (FGMs), and antibacterial CaPs. We conclude by foreseeing the future of CaPs.

Novel porous calcium aluminate/phosphate nanocomposites: in situ synthesis, microstructure and permeability

Permeable porous nanomaterials have extensive applications in engineering fields. Here, we report a novel system of porous calcium aluminate/phosphate (CaAl-CaP) nanocomposites fabricated by pore generator free processing. The CaAl rich samples have close micropores and are not permeable. Interestingly, the CaP rich composites have a unique three-dimensional nanosieve structure with interconnected nanopores and exhibit excellent liquid permeability and adsorbability. The pore size has a narrow distribution of 200-500 nm. The CaAl nanoplatelets in the CaP rich composite have a thickness of 202 nm, a diameter of 1600 nm and an aspect ratio of 8. The porosity is from 19% to 40%. The bending strength and compressive strength are 40.3 MPa and 195 MPa, respectively. The CaP rich nanocomposite is highly permeable so that a water droplet can completely penetrate in 10 seconds (1 mm thick disk). The blue dye can be desorbed in 45 min by ultrasonic vibration. Given the nanosieve porous structure, good permeability/adsorbability and high mechanical properties, the CaP rich nanocomposite has big potential in applications for chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and energy/environmental engineering.

Nanohybrid based on antibiotic encapsulated layered double hydroxide as a drug delivery system

Nanohybrid of cefuroxime (CFO) with layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been prepared, and the rate of dissolution and bioavailability of CFO using nanohybrid as a drug delivery system has been broadly studied. The intercalation process was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The CFO contents were found to be 19.0 wt% in the nanohybrid. The release mechanism of CFO was investigated with respect to anion and pH of the dissolution media such as gastric, intestinal and blood simulated media. The effect of pH was evaluated on the release of CFO from nanohybrid, and the dissolution of CFO from the nanohybrid was found to be a slow process at pH 4.0, 6.8, and 7.4. Further the addition of Cl ion and PAM in release media did not affect the release rate of drug at pH 4.0 and 6.8, while at pH 7.4, Cl ion and PAM have significant role on the drug release. At pH 1.2, the release study shows that LDH dissolved in the acidic medium and CFO released in its molecular form. The release behavior suggests two mechanisms that are responsible for the release of CFO from nanohybrid: weathering (dependent on the pH) and ion exchange (highly dependent on the anions). Surface reactions mediated by solid weathering ruled the release in gastric fluid, whereas anion exchange determined CFO release in lysosomal, intestinal, and blood medium. In order to evaluate the drug release mechanism, the released data were fitted by mathematical models describing various kinetic.

Strontium-substituted, luminescent and mesoporous hydroxyapatite microspheres for sustained drug release

The multifunctional strontium (Sr)-substituted hydroxyapatite microsphere was prepared via hydrothermal method, in which the luminescent and controlled drug release functions can be realized. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared microspheres were studied by using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, HR-TEM, BET method. The optical properties was investigated by using photoluminescence (PL) and XPS measurement. Then, the as-prepared multifunctional microspheres were performed as a drug delivery carrier using vancomycin as a model drug. The experimental results show that the composition, morphology, luminescent properties and drug storage/release behaviour were obviously influenced by the amount of Sr. The microspheres with Sr(2+)/(Ca(2+) + Sr(2+)) = 0.3 of Sr substitution showed the maximum specific surface area, best pore structure and strongest PL intensity. All the samples presented remarkable sustained drug release kinetics. In addition, the PL intensity of SrHA in the drug delivery system increased with the cumulative release time (amount) of vancomycin, which would make the drug release might be possibly tracked by the change of the luminescent intensity. Our study indicated a potential prospect that the fabricated multifunctional SrHA mesoporous microspheres might be applied in the field of bone regeneration and drug delivery.

The Effect of Surfactant Extraction Method on Pore Characteristics of Mesoporous Carbonated Hydroxyapatite

Incorporated with pore sizes of 2-50 nm, CHA was found to be a promising drug delivery agent for disease treatment and could be a carrier for different types of proteins. A desired drug delivery system should consist of an ordered pore network, optimum pore size, and volume, as well as a high surface area, to allow a high drug adsorption rate, controllable drug loading, and release. However, until now, most results are still not up to expectation; since the BET surface area and pore volume obtained has been rather low, compared to the existing mesoporous silica. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of surfactant washing on the pore characteristics and the importance of this step in the synthesis process of mesoporous carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA). In this study, mesostructured CHA particles were prepared, via a self-assembly mechanism, between CHA and non-ionic surfactant (P123), using the co-precipitation synthesis method. The synthesized mesoporous CHA samples were washed five times using different types of solvents for surfactant removal. A sphere-like particle shape of CHA was observed under SEM for all samples; regardless of the type of solvent used. The formation of CHA was confirmed by FTIR analysis, where the carbonate ion peaks were observed in the spectrums. It was found that the mesoporous CHA with a high surface area was synthesized when high polarity solvents were used during surfactant washing. These results imply that high surface area mesoporous CHA can be obtained through surfactant washing, without applying calcination for surfactant removal, which may change the structure of the CHA during heat treatment.

Evaluating the toxicity of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in catfish cells and zebrafish embryos

The toxicity of needle-(nHA-ND) and rod-shaped (nHA-RD) hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles is evaluated in vitro on catfish B-cells (3B11) and catfish T-cells (28s.3) and in vivo on zebrafish embryos to determine if biological effects are similar to the effects seen in mammalian in vitro systems. Neither nHA-ND nor nHA-RD affect cell viability at concentrations of 10 to 300 μg mL(-1) . However, 30 μg mL(-1) needle-shaped nHA lower metabolic activity of the cells. Axial deformations are seen in zebrafish exposed to 300 μg mL(-1) needle shaped nHA after 120 h. For the first time, nHA is reported to cause zebrafish hatching delay. The lowest concentration (3 μg mL(-1) ) of both types of nHA cause the highest hatching inhibition and needle-shaped nHA exposed zebrafish exhibit the lowest hatch at 72 h post fertilization.

Synthesis of Nanoporous Carbonated Hydroxyapatite Using Non-Ionic Pluronics Surfactant

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioceramics that commonly used as bone substitute materials, coating materials and scaffolds in orthopedics. It is well known for its remarkable biocompatibility with natural human tissue. However, synthetic HA is different from biological apatite whereby apatites contain carbonate ion which is about 3-8wt% of the hard tissues of human body which described as carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA). Hence, synthetic CHA may have a better bioactivity than HA and more widely used as biomaterials. This study described the synthesis and characterization of nanoporous carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) by co-precipitation method through self-organization mechanism with different type of non-ionic surfactants (P123 and F127). Diammonium hydrogen phosphate, (NH4)2HPO4 and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, Ca (NO3)2.4H2O were used as starting materials for preparing the precursor for CHA powder. The ammonium carbonate, NH4HCO3 was used as the main source for carbonate ion. Synthesized powder was characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDS and FTIR. From the XRD result, pure HA phase was obtained for all samples. FTIR analysis results obviously showed the substitution of carbonate ion into the apatite and confirm the formation of CHA. The FTIR results also demonstrated that the surfactants had been removed completely through calcination process. SEM image revealed a sphere-like particle shape of CHA was produced after the calcinations. The mesoporous CHA with pore size 2-12 nm (F127) and 2-8 nm (P123) was synthesized.

Ceramic/metal biocidal nanocomposites for bone-related applications

Hydroxyapatite/silver nanocomposites have been designed and synthesized as an engineering material for biomedical applications. The hydroxyapatite matrix was synthesized by a sol-gel method and, subsequently, the Ag nanoparticles were deposited by heterogeneous precipitation followed by two different reduction routes: thermal or chemical. Both sets were studied and compared and, in all cases, the metal nanoparticles appear perfectly isolated and attached to the surface of the hydroxyapatite. The average metal particle size is below 10 nm, allowing an important contact surface between silver and the microorganisms. The antimicrobial behavior against common bacteria showed a high effectiveness, well above the commercial level, as well as against yeast, in the case of the chemically reduced sample. Due to the nanocomposite microstructure, only a negligible portion of metal was released to the lixiviated liquid after the biocide tests, minimizing the risk of toxicity. These nanocomposites offer a solution to the infections on the surface of implants, one of the main problems in reaching a suitable level of osseointegration.

Calcium orthophosphate-based bone cements (CPCs): Applications, antibiotic release and alternatives to antibiotics

Calcium orthophosphate bone cements (CPCs) are widely used in orthopedic surgery. Implants are highly susceptible to infection and often lead to the formation of microbial biofilms. Antibiotics are often incorporated into bone cement to prevent infection. The increase in the number of microorganisms acquiring or developing resistance to antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), is a major concern. Bacteriocins (antimicrobial peptides) offer an alternative to antibiotics. Their mode of activity involves permanent destabilization of the plasma membrane of target cells. A number of broad-spectrum bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. have recently been reported. In this REVIEW the major characteristics of calcium phosphate bone cements, prosthetic joint-associated infections, and treatment of these infections is discussed. The role of antimicrobial agents in CPCs is discussed and the possibility of incorporating bacteriocins in prosthetic devices is investigated.

Calcium orthophosphates: occurrence, properties, biomineralization, pathological calcification and biomimetic applications

The present overview is intended to point the readers' attention to the important subject of calcium orthophosphates. This type of materials is of special significance for human beings, because they represent the inorganic part of major normal (bones, teeth and antlers) and pathological (i.e., those appearing due to various diseases) calcified tissues of mammals. For example, atherosclerosis results in blood vessel blockage caused by a solid composite of cholesterol with calcium orthophosphates, while dental caries and osteoporosis mean a partial decalcification of teeth and bones, respectively, that results in replacement of a less soluble and harder biological apatite by more soluble and softer calcium hydrogenphosphates. Therefore, the processes of both normal and pathological calcifications are just an in vivo crystallization of calcium orthophosphates. Similarly, dental caries and osteoporosis might be considered an in vivo dissolution of calcium orthophosphates. Thus, calcium orthophosphates hold a great significance for humankind, and in this paper, an overview on the current knowledge on this subject is provided.

Adsorption of nicotinic acid on the surface of nanosized hydroxyapatite and structurally modified hydroxyapatite

In the present paper, hydroxyapatite and structurally modified hydroxyapatite were investigated to establish the best material for nicotinic acid adsorption. Structurally modified hydroxyapatite wa prepared by adding sodium silicate in the reaction medium. The influence of silica concentration, presence of small amounts of metal ions, temperature and initial concentrations of nicotinic acid solutions on the adsorption capacity, were studied. Results indicated that structurally modified hydroxyapatite doped with copper adsorbed the highest amount of nicotinic acid. For this material the adsorption capacity was 0.232 mg nicotinic acid / g material, at an initial concentration of 10−4 M nicotinic acid. For all types of materials, best results were obtained at 15°C. The amount of nicotinic acid adsorbed increases with the decrease in temperature and with the increase in the initial concentration of nicotinic acid. Adsorption kinetics data were modeled using pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models while the interference due to diffusion was analyzed with intraparticle diffusion model. The results indicate that pseudo-second order model best describes the adsorption kinetics data, indicating the formation of chemical bonding.

The materials used in this study were characterized by the following methods: IR, Coulter Counter analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscope and BET

Classification of protein binding in hydroxyapatite chromatography: synergistic interactions on the molecular scale

A protein library exhibiting a range of properties was employed to study protein binding behavior in hydroxyapatite systems. Chromatographic retention on ceramic hydroxyapatite (CHT) chromatography was determined using a sodium chloride gradient in the presence of different phosphate concentrations. Results from the column experiments were then analyzed using various quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) based modeling approaches. Using the experimental data set in concert with new molecular descriptors, QSPR classification models were generated to provide improved understanding of protein binding in CHT systems. In addition, nonlinear SVM QSPR prediction models were generated and employed as a predictive tool for protein affinity in CHT. Interestingly, a class of descriptors which describe synergistic binding with both metal chelation and cation exchange interactions on the angstrom length scale was found to play a vital role for protein binding in all of the models developed for CHT. The importance of this descriptor suggests the importance of synergistic binding in CHT, which has not been previously described in the literature. This study provides a deeper understanding into the mechanisms and selectivity of protein adsorption in CHT and will help to create predictive models which could be used for methods development in bioseparation processes.

Development of porous HAp and β-TCP scaffolds by starch consolidation with foaming method and drug-chitosan bilayered scaffold based drug delivery system

The inability to maintain high concentrations of antibiotic at the site of infection for an extended period of time along with dead space management is still the driving challenge in treatment of osteomyelitis. Porous bioactive ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) and beta-tri calcium phosphate (β-TCP) were some of the alternatives to be used as local drug delivery system. However, high porosity and high interconnectivity of pores in the scaffolds play a pivotal role in the drug release and bone resorption. Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin that has lost its clinical popularity. But has recently been reported to exhibit better bactericidal activity in vitro and reduced probability of resistance development, in combination with sulbactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor. In this article, a novel approach of forming HAp and pure β-TCP based porous scaffolds by applying together starch consolidation with foaming method was used. For the purpose, pure HAp and β-TCP were prepared in the laboratory and after thorough characterization (including XRD, FTIR, particle size distribution, etc.) the powders were used for scaffold fabrication. The ability of these scaffolds to release drugs suitably for osteomyelitis was studied in vitro. The results of the study indicated that HAp exhibited better drug release profile than β-TCP when drug was used alone indicating the high influence of the carrier material. However, this restriction got relaxed when a bilayered scaffold was formed using chitosan along with the drug. SEM studies along with EDAX on the drug-chitosan bilayered scaffold showed closest apposition of this combination to the calcium phosphate surface.

Comparing the efficacy of three bioceramic matrices for the release of vancomycin hydrochloride

A number of calcium phosphate materials have been investigated as drug release matrices for the prophylactic treatment of implant-related osteomyelitis. However, some studies have shown the influence of processing on the efficacy of the delivered drug. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pH during processing on the efficacy of vancomycin hydrochloride (VH) against Staphylococcus aureus. VH was loaded into a brushite cement (CaHPO(4).2H(2)O; pH 2.4); a hydroxyapatite cement (Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)OH(2); pH 9.4); and an apatite xerogel (pH 7.4). The pH of the material during processing had a significant influence on the mechanism of release from the cement. VH released from the apatite cement (pH 9.4) was not released in accordance with the Higuchi model. In addition to affecting release, the basic pH was shown to diminish the antibacterial potency of the released VH. Despite exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration, the eluent from the apatite cement was ineffective against a culture of S. aureus. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of evaluating not only the release of the drug from the material matrix but also the antibacterial potency of the released drug.

Bone tissue engineering therapeutics: controlled drug delivery in three-dimensional scaffolds

This paper provides an extensive overview of published studies on the development and applications of three-dimensional bone tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds with potential capability for the controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs. Typical drugs considered include gentamicin and other antibiotics generally used to combat osteomyelitis, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs and bisphosphonates, but delivery of growth factors is not covered in this review. In each case reviewed, special attention has been given to the technology used for controlling the release of the loaded drugs. The possibility of designing multifunctional three-dimensional bone TE scaffolds for the emerging field of bone TE therapeutics is discussed. A detailed summary of drugs included in three-dimensional scaffolds and the several approaches developed to combine bioceramics with various polymeric biomaterials in composites for drug-delivery systems is included. The main results presented in the literature are discussed and the remaining challenges in the field are summarized with suggestions for future research directions.

Amino acid synergetic effect on structure, morphology and surface properties of biomimetic apatite nanocrystals

Alanine, arginine and aspartic acid have been used as co-reagents during the synthesis of a biomimetic calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) for the synergistic coupling of synthesis and functionalization. The surface and bulk characterizations are consistent with a binding model in which the amino acid is preferentially bound to the CDHA nanocrystal surface by its lateral chain group. The zeta-potential measurements show that the amino acid-functionalized CDHA surface charge shifts towards neutral compared to CDHA synthesized in the absence of amino acids. Amino acids bound to the crystal induce crystal growth inhibition predominantly at the Ca-rich surfaces during the initial stages of crystallization. Moreover, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements suggest a model for needle-shaped CDHA nanocrystals formation in the presence of either arginine or aspartic acid based on the oriented aggregation of primary crystallite domains specifically along the c-axis direction and the self-assembly of preformed nanoparticles. The results have significant importance for the control of the shape, morphology and aggregation of the CDHA nanocrystals, while the observed surface modifications are of marked importance for the nature, stability and reactivity of the functionalized surfaces produced.

Calcium Orthophosphates in Nature, Biology and Medicine

The present overview is intended to point the readers’ attention to the important subject of calcium orthophosphates. These materials are of the special significance because they represent the inorganic part of major normal (bones, teeth and dear antlers) and pathological (i.e. those appearing due to various diseases) calcified tissues of mammals. Due to a great chemical similarity with the biological calcified tissues, many calcium orthophosphates possess remarkable biocompatibility and bioactivity. Materials scientists use this property extensively to construct artificial bone grafts that are either entirely made of or only surface-coated with the biologically relevant calcium ortho-phosphates. For example, self-setting hydraulic cements made of calcium orthophosphates are helpful in bone repair, while titanium substitutes covered by a surface layer of calcium orthophosphates are used for hip joint endoprostheses and as tooth substitutes. Porous scaffolds made of calcium orthophosphates are very promising tools for tissue engineering applications. In addition, technical grade calcium orthophosphates are very popular mineral fertilizers. Thus ere calcium orthophosphates are of great significance for humankind and, in this paper, an overview on the current knowledge on this subject is provided.

Ab initio modeling of protein/biomaterial interactions: glycine adsorption at hydroxyapatite surfaces

How does glycine adsorb at hydroxyapatite surfaces? Ab initio simulations based on periodic B3LYP GTO calculations reveal the detailed mechanism of binding to the (001) and (010) surfaces by shedding light on how acid and basic amino acid residues of proteins interact with hydroxyapatite based biomaterials.

Fabrication of porous substrates: a review of processes using pore forming agents in the biomaterial field

This paper is a review of solid and casting manufacturing processes able to create porous materials, mainly in the biomaterial field. The considered methods are based on pore forming agents that are removed either by heating or by dissolution. All techniques lead to products presenting pores with amount, size, and shape are close to those of the initial pore formers. Porosities up to 90% with pores ranging from 1 to 2000 microm are reported. Major differences concern macrointerconnections that are more frequently obtained using foams, or porogens which undergo a melting stage during firing. Casting methods combined with solid free form fabrication are promising for the design of porous network through the manufacturing of 3D scaffolds corresponding to the desired porosity.

Controlled release of vancomycin from cross-linked gelatine

This paper explores the possibility of using biodegradable cross-linked gelatines as antibiotic devices for a long-term elution (80 days). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been utilized to evaluate the mass percentage of vancomycin and gelatine contemporary released from differently cross-linked vancomycin loaded gelatine samples in an elution time ranging from 24 to 1920 h. While the solubilization kinetic of gelatine samples differently cross-linked can be very close described by the simplified Higuchi model, the vancomycin release kinetic is contemporary governed by both the Fickian diffusion process trough the gelatine matrix network and the dissolution process of the matrix due to its degradation. Comparing the antibiotic eluting kinetics from gelatine at diverse cross-linking degree we observed that the degradation of the proteic matrix appears to have a minor influence in the drug release control. Vancomycin released from all the gelatine partially cross-linked samples results active against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis which represent the most pathogens commonly isolated in orthopaedic infections. Vancomycin overcomes the minimum inhibitory concentration for both the bacteria in the whole range of elution time. Cross-linked gelatine devices appear to represent a useful biodegradable delivery system for local anti-infective therapy in arthoplasty.

Effects of Sintering Temperature Over 1,300.DEG.C. on the Physical and Compositional Properties of Porous Hydroxyapatite Foam

Porous hydroxyapatite (HAP) foam permits three-dimensional (3D) structure with fully interconnecting pores as well as excellent tissue response and good osteoconductivity. It is therefore thought to be a good candidate as scaffold material for bone regeneration and as a synthetic bone substitute material. To fabricate better porous HAP foam, improved physical and structural properties as well as higher osteoconductivity are desired. In the present study, the effects of sintering temperature on the physical and compositional properties of porous HAP foam were evaluated by employing high sintering temperature starting at 1,300 degrees C up to 1,550 degrees C. The mechanical strength of porous HAP foam increased with sintering temperature to reach the maximum value at 1,525 degrees C, then decreased slightly when sintering temperature was further increased to 1,550 degrees C. Alpha tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) was formed, and thus the porous HAP foam became biphasic calcium phosphate. Biphasic calcium phosphate consisting of both alpha-TCP and HAP had been reported to show higher osteoconductivity than HAP alone. We therefore recommend 1,500-1,550 degrees C as the sintering temperature for porous HAP foam since this condition provided the most desirable physical properties with biphasic calcium phosphate composition.