Designing multifunctional hardystonite-based nanocomposites for bone regeneration applications

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 1-13-2025

Abstract

Despite being a promising orthopedic/dental biomaterial, hardystonite (HT) has limited electrical, tribo-mechanical, and antibacterial properties. Thus, our work sought to improve all HT qualities. In this regard, five nanocomposites comprising HT, copper oxide (CuO), and silicon nitride (Si3N4) were made using powder metallurgy. Nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Brunauere-Emmette-Teller (BET). Synthesized nanocomposites were tested for physical, tribo-mechanical, electrical, dielectric, and biological characteristics. Samples with higher quantities of CuO and Si3N4 showed increases in microhardness of 5.12, 12.82, 21.79, and 34.35 % and wear rates of 5.45, 8.62, 15.51, and 20.68 % when compared to the CuO- and Si3N4-free samples. Increased HT electrical conductivity from CuO and Si3N4 might hasten bone healing. The significant antibacterial activity of the samples against S. aureus was increased by varying concentrations of CuO (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 %) and Si3N4 (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 %). The percentages of S. aureus bacteria that were reduced were 15.4 %, 17.2 %, 20.5 %, 24.7 %, and 30.5 %. Nevertheless, none of the composites showed bactericidal qualities when tested against E. coli. Physical characteristics revealed that adding CuO up to 12 vol% improved sintered sample densifications by 21 %. After carefully examining the FESEM images, it is evident that all the prepared samples succeeded in developing a dense layer of apatite on their surface, reflecting their good bioactive behavior. In comparison to samples without these additions, exposure to samples with the highest concentrations of CuO and Si3N4 led to a bone cell death rate of 13.1 %. Evidence suggests the materials might be utilized for bone regeneration.

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