Optimization of hydroxyapatite synthesis via sol-gel process for bone reconstruction application

During the past few years, tissue engineering has become one of the most promising techniques to maintain, improve, or reconstruct human tissue, even complete human organs. This solution is frequently based on the realization of temporary porous matrices, also called "scaffolds". Scaffolds are highly porous matrices notably designed to structure the development of cells, but also to guarantee the function of the implant during the regeneration process. Several materials have been proposed for the conception of scaffold. These have to meet strict criteria regarding biocompatibility, degradability, mechanical and surface properties. As a result of their biomimetism, bioceramics, like hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)), have been widely developed during the past few years for bone reconstruction. The aim of this study is the optimization of the synthesis of hydroxyapatite by sol-gel process to be used in the conception of scaffold for bone reconstruction application. In this optic, powder obtained from two synthesis processes (wet precipitation and sol-gel process) were compared with commercial hydroxyapatite. For wet precipitation process, calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid were used as reagent. For sol-gel process, calcium acetate was used as the source of calcium and triethylphosphate as the source of phosphate. Reagents were mixed and the solution was aged. The powder was then dried and sintered. Finally, particles were washed in HCl to remove CaO and then dried. Those new materials were characterized, particularly in terms of chemical composition (XRD, FTIR), crystallinity (XRD), morphology (SEM, TEM), size (TEM, DLS) and Ca/P ratio (EDX).