Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite powders with PVDF and SiO2 by the hydrothermal method for biomedical applications
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Mary Sinthiya Robinson
Abstract
This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) powders using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and silica gel (SiO2) via the hydrothermal method. The objective was to develop a biocompatible and bioactive material with desirable morphological features that would enhance its potential biomedical applications. The hydrothermal synthesis involved the dispersion of PVDF and SiO2 within a controlled environment with simultaneous precipitation of HAP. The resulting HAP powders were characterized using various techniques, including PXRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and TGA, to evaluate the material purity, phase composition, and structural morphology. Nano-HAP powders were synthesized via the hydrothermal method using PVDF and SiO2. Characterization techniques confirmed high purity, crystallinity, porous morphology, and thermal stability. Bioactivity and cytotoxicity tests showed excellent cell adhesion, growth, and safety. Uniform dispersion in PVDF and suitable porosity suggest potential for tissue engineering, bioactive coatings, and bone scaffolds. Initial in vitro studies confirmed non-cytotoxicity, supporting biomedical applications, with further work on implant coatings underway. Cytotoxicity tests revealed high cell viability, suggesting low toxicity and strong support for human fibroblast proliferation. Morphological analyses validated homogeneous fiber structure and particle distribution. The obtained results indicate that nano HAP powders with regulated, enhanced, or favorable shapes can be successfully formed to support cell growth, making them a promising material for biomedical applications.
Funding source: DonBosco Grant
Award Identifier / Grant number: 2025-26/10
Acknowledgement
We thank the Abdul Kalam Research Centre (AKRC), Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, for providing the research facilities. We also express our gratitude to Dr. S. A. Martin Britto Dhas for his timely support and assistance with data curation throughout the preparation of this manuscript.
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Research ethics: This study did not involve human participants or animal subjects. Therefore, ethical approval was not required.
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Informed consent: Not applicable. No human participants were involved in this research.
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Author contributions: All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT) were used only for improving the clarity of language and grammar. All scientific interpretations, data analyses, and conclusions were made entirely from the literature survey. The authors verified all AI-assisted text for accuracy.
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Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this work.
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Research funding: This work was supported by Abdul Kalam Research Centre (AKRC), Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, for the financial assistance received under the “DonBosco Grant” scheme (SHC/DB Grant/2025-26/10).
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Data availability: The data will be made available from the corresponding author based on the request.
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