Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Hybrid Nanocomposites of Biologically Extracted Hydroxyapatite/Hematite/Silicon Dioxide for Potential Use in Bone Replacement Applications

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an attractive biomaterial for use in orthopedic and dental applications. Acquiring HA from natural sources is an excellent step toward doing so affordably while also reducing waste. Here, HA was obtained from camel bones and then mixed in different proportions with silicon dioxide (SiO2) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) to obtain nanocomposites with distinct physical, tribo-mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and biological properties. The produced powders were then examined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Additionally, measurements were made of their dielectric, physical, tribo-mechanical, magnetic, and antimicrobial properties. The results revealed that successive addition of SiO2 and α-Fe2O3 reduced the porosity of the tested samples by about 3.26, 19.56, 33.69, and 51.08% which is very close to the porosity value of cortical bone. Importantly, the compressive strength of the sample with the highest percentages of SiO2 and α-Fe2O3 was 102 MPa making it similar to that of cortical bone. Also, the addition of SiO2 and α-Fe2O3 to BHA reduced its wear rate by 0.47, 13.09, 15.47, and 21.90%. Furthermore, the presence of Fe2O3 improved the magnetic and antimicrobial properties of the tested samples. The latter findings could be useful for accelerating bone healing.

Magnetic Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine

“…Furthermore, the FeHA nanoparticles were internalized by the cells without causing any negative effects on their behavior and ultrastructure [ 276 ]. The intrinsic properties of FeHA NPs make them a promising candidate to be used as a magnetic carrier of drugs, growth factors, miRNA, etc., revealing new exciting opportunities in nanomedicine [ 277 , 278 , 279 , 280 , 281 ].…”

Tuning biodegradability, bone-bonding capacity, and wear resistance of zinc-30% magnesium intermetallic alloy for use in load-bearing bone applications

“…The need for bone tissue to be repaired, organ functions to be restored, and aesthetic restoration is rising as a result of population aging and a rise in life expectancy 1 – 4 . In this regard, since 1895, when metallic biomaterials were first developed, they have continued to advance 5 .…”

Eggshell-Mediated Hematite Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Their Biomedical, Mineralization, and Biodegradation Applications

“…Eggshell-mediated hematite NPs demonstrate the formation of hydroxyapatite. Very few reports are available on the use of hematite as a scaffold with reasonable hardness [20].…”