On a Bioactive and Antibacterial Nanocomposite Comprising of Bioceramic Hydroxy-Apatite and Biopolymer Gelatin, and Yttrium and Cerium

Abstract

Hydroxy-Apatite (HA) is widely used as a bioceramic material, as it possesses its chemical and mineral phases analogous to that of human bone. When it is substituted with metal ions, its biological properties are improved. HA nanopowders show improved sinterability and enhanced densification owing to greater surface area, which enhances fracture toughness, as well as other mechanical properties. When yttrium and cerium ions are introduced, it shows high bioactivity and antibacterial activity. HA as biopolymer with gelatin is more bioactive, and influences in the particle nature of the sample. This nanocomposite is easily made by hydrothermal method. Composition, crystallinity and morphology of nanocomposite are analyzed respectively by FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDAX. Examination of In-Vitro bioactivity is done via soaking in simulated body fluid for various days, and evaluation of antibacterial activity is done against prokaryotic strains. Asfabricated nanocomposite is crystalline with particles size around 100nm which is good for biomedical applications with good bone bonding ability and antibacterial property.