Development and Characterization of Gadolinium-Doped Hydroxyapatite to Enhance Biocompatibility in Biomedical Applications

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.13.01.Art033

Authors : Swadhi Radhakrishnan, Gayathri Krishnan, Anitha Rexalin Devaraj, Rajesh Krishnan, Anandan Kasinatha

Abstract:

The synthesis and characterization of gadolinium-doped brucinium hydroxyapatite (Gd-BHAP) have garnered significant attention for their potential applications in bone regeneration and dentistry. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) closely resembles the mineral phase of bone, exhibiting biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. Hence, this study aims to synthesize and characterize Gd-BHAP to evaluate its potential for enhancing biocompatibility and effectiveness in bone regeneration applications. Gd-BHAP was synthesized via a hydrothermal method using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate as precursors, maintaining a calcium-to-phosphate molar ratio of 1:6. Dual dopants, brucine (1%) and gadolinium (+0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations), were incorporated, with the pH adjusted to 9. Characterization was performed using XRD, SEM, DLS, FTIR, Fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of Gd-BHAP was evaluated on Vero cells using the MTT assay across varying concentrations (25–200 µg/mL). Results indicated that the characterization techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of Gd-BHAP, demonstrating rod-shaped morphology and sizes ranging from 70 to 121 nm. FTIR analysis revealed typical absorption bands of hydroxyapatite, while XRD patterns matched known standards for HA, indicating a hexagonal phase. Cytotoxicity results showed a concentration-dependent decrease in Vero cell viability, with 84% viability at 25 µg/mL, decreasing to 73% at 200 µg/mL, indicating acceptable biocompatibility for potential biomedical applications. In conclusion, the synthesized gadolinium-doped brucinium hydroxyapatite exhibits promising characteristics for biomedical applications, particularly in bone regeneration. While higher concentrations may reduce cell viability, the material demonstrates significant biocompatibility, positioning it as a suitable candidate for tissue engineering.

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