Fabrication of hydroxyapatite/45S5 bioglass composites: Effects of bioglass content on the structural, mechanical, and biological properties

Although notable efforts have been made on the development of natural hydroxyapatite (nHA) from organic sources, its relatively slow bioactivity and limited antibacterial activity can affect the results of bone regeneration. The addition of bioglass into this nHA matrix offers a promising approach to address these limitations. In this study, the composites were produced with nHA:45BG in the ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (wt%). The samples were uniaxially pressed under a load of 10 MPa to obtain compact disc samples. The pelletized samples were afterward sintered at 1050°C by microwave irradiation. The biocomposites were then investigated for their mechanical, morphological, phase, antibacterial, and in-vitro bioactivity. The results showed that hardness values ranged from 2.21 ± 0.006 , 3.71 ± 0.017, 5.05 ± 0.025, 7.21 ± 0.026, and 2.39 ± 0.010 GPa for 100nHA, 75nHA/25BG, 50nHA/50BG, 25nHA/75BG, and 100BG, respectively. Sample 25nHA/75BG exhibited the optimum compressive strength of 99.74 ± 0.120 MPa. The composites displayed well-bonded morphology, while the presence of HA and Combeite was noticeable. The composites exhibited better hydroxyapatite formation upon reaction with simulated body fluid (SBF) compared to the control 100nHA. The antibacterial effectiveness also increased with the increasing content of bioglass (BG). These results suggest the developed biocomposites showed potential for bone regeneration and therapeutic purposes.