Bioactivity and Antibacterial Behaviors of Nanostructured Lithium-Doped Hydroxyapatite for Bone Scaffold Application

Abstract

The material for bone scaffold replacement should be biocompatible and antibacterial to prevent scaffold-associated infection. We biofunctionalized the hydroxyapatite (HA) properties by doping it with lithium (Li). The HA and 4 Li-doped HA (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 wt.%) samples were investigated to find the most suitable Li content for both aspects. The synthesized nanoparticles, by the mechanical alloying method, were cold-pressed uniaxially and then sintered for 2 h at 1250 °C. Characterization using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed particle sizes in the range of 60 to 120 nm. The XRD analysis proved the formation of HA and Li-doped HA nanoparticles with crystal sizes ranging from 59 to 89 nm. The bioactivity of samples was investigated in simulated body fluid (SBF), and the growth of apatite formed on surfaces was evaluated using SEM and EDS. Cellular behavior was estimated by MG63 osteoblast-like cells. The results of apatite growth and cell analysis showed that 1.0 wt.% Li doping was optimal to maximize the bioactivity of HA. Antibacterial characteristics against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were performed by colony-forming unit (CFU) tests. The results showed that Li in the structure of HA increases its antibacterial properties. HA biofunctionalized by Li doping can be considered a suitable option for the fabrication of bone scaffolds due to its antibacterial and unique bioactivity properties.

Antibacterial and Cellular Behaviors of Novel Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite/Graphene Nanocomposite for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…Using innovative materials to construct implants or bone scaffolds possessing antibacterial properties together with biocompatibility is an attractive solution to control bacterial infections [4,5]. Considering the biomaterials used for bone implants and scaffolds, hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the preferred choices [6,7]. Possessing chemical composition of Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 , HA is one of the main components of bone (nearly 70%) which forms the mineral part of bones tissues [8].…”

Nature-Inspired Effects of Naturally Occurring Trace Element-Doped Hydroxyapatite Combined with Surface Interactions of Mineral-Apatite Single Crystals on Human Fibroblast Behavior

“…In this context, the results of our studies might be useful in screening the effects of apatite crystallographically-oriented surfaces and in the evaluation detrimental/beneficial influence of apatite on living systems. Although similar investigations were conducted for biomaterials such as titanium [ 49 , 50 ]; texturized hydroxyapatite ceramics [ 14 ]; lithium-doped hydroxyapatites [ 51 ]; fluorapatite/glucan composites [ 52 ]; and rutile surfaces [ 53 ] using osteoblasts, preosteoblasts, and hepatocytes, to the best of our knowledge, the relation between the specific atomic structure of the surface and the normal human fibroblast biological performance is presented for the first time in our study. Despite recent advances in knowledge, few articles concern complex issues of potential HAp application in tissue engineering [ 54 ].…”

Biodegradable Magnesium Biomaterials—Road to the Clinic

“…Although lithium is not officially considered a micronutrient [157], it is remarkably effective against a wide spectrum of bacteria and has potent immune-stimulating capabilities [158]. It is said that lithium can be utilized as a promising bioactive element so as to promote the osteogenesis process because Li-based scaffolds could improve bone regeneration and stimulate bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells' osteogenesis [159].…”