Characterization and biological evaluation of silver containing fluoroapatite nanoparticles prepared through microwave synthesis

Abstract Nanosized hydroxyapatite is a material that is commonly used as a matrix for bone tissue engineering. Although its chemical property is similar to that of natural bone, its limited antibacterial property has made it less desirable for use in present-day clinical applications. In the present study, we have investigated the possibility of improving the antibacterial and bioactivity of hydroxyapatite, by producing nanosized silver-containing fluorapatite, using the microwave technique. Nanosized silver–fluorapatite particles were synthesized using 0.5 and 1= x fluoride through co-precipitation and the microwave refluxing treatment at 800 W, for 8 min. The crystalline phase, chemical composition, and morphology of the prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The chemical analysis indicated the presence of a nanosized silver-fluorapatite phase. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed a spheroid-like morphology, with an approximate diameter of ±76–92 nm. The bioactivity of the prepared samples, which was evaluated using simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for 28 days, demonstrated good apatite layer formation. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method and showed good growth inhibition, while the osteoblast culture studies indicated that the presence of silver and fluoride provided superior cell attachment and growth. The antibacterial and cell culture results indicated that this new nanosized silver–fluorapatite bioceramic material had good antibacterial qualities, but remained biocompatible with osteoblasts. These findings suggested that nanosized silver–fluorapatite could potentially be used for bone regeneration applications.