Study of biomorphic calcium deficient hydroxyapatite fibres derived from a natural Harakeke (Phormium tenax) leaf fibre template

Abstract

The complex structure of natural bio-organic matter has inspired scientists to utilise these as templates to design "biomorphic materials", which retain the intricate architecture of the materials while acting as a useful bioactive material. Biomorphic hydroxyapatite-based fibres were synthesised using Harakeke leaf fibre as a template, which constitutes a powerful method for manufacturing bioactive ceramic fibres. Furthermore, in creating the hydroxyapatite-based fibres, a natural source of calcium and phosphate ions (from bovine bone) was utilised to create the digest solution in which the leaf fibres were immersed prior to their calcination to form the inorganic fibres. Chemical, thermogravimetric and microscopic characterisation confirmed that the final product was able to successfully replicate the shape of the fibres and furthermore be transformed into calcium deficient, bone-like hydroxyapatite.

Densification of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite powder via sintering: enhancing mechanical properties for biomedical applications

“…Effect of sintering temperature on grain growth HA was sintered at three temperatures 850 °C, 1050 °C and 1250 °C. As the temperature increased, sintering started, and it was observed in the SEM that with increasing sintering temperature the grain size grows as shown in figures (11)(12)(13). While the SEM of the as-received HA is shown in figure 14.…”

“…Hydroxyapatite material is widely used in clinical applications related to orthopedics and dentistry due to its exceptional bioactive and osteoconductive properties, which result from its chemical resemblance to the mineral component of hard tissues [1,[9][10][11]. In addition, because of its resemblance in chemical structure to hard tissues found in humans, HA often displays characteristics like bioactivity and biocompatibility [12,13].…”