Physicochemical characterization of the superhydrophilic, magnesium and silver ions co-incorporated nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, synthesized by microwave processing

Magnesium (Mg2+) and silver (Ag1+) ions co-incorporated nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp, 31×19 nm) was synthesized by microwave processing. The prepared samples were characterized using XRD (X-ray Diffraction), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), FE-HRTEM (Field Emission-High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), zeta potential, microhardness, and PL (Photoluminescence). In addition, antimicrobial, wettability and in vitro bioactivity were also analyzed. The Mg2+ and Ag1+ ions co-incorporation did not modify the phase of the HAp; however, there was a significant reduction in the crystallite size (13%) and particle size (31%). The negative zeta potential was decreased with an increase in the Mg2+ and Ag1+ ions co-incorporation. The microhardness (<0.05 M), PL (<0.01 M), antimicrobial efficacy and in vitro bioactivity were enhanced in the co-incorporated samples. The surface of the co-incorporated sample was superhydrophilic in nature. These multifunctional properties, enable them to be an excellent candidate for bone replacement and biosensing applications.