Hydroxyapatite from Natural Sources for Medical Applications

The aim of this work is to study the physical-chemical, mechanical, and biocompatible properties of hydroxyapatite obtained by hydrothermal synthesis, at relatively low temperatures and high pressures, starting from natural sources (Rapana whelk shells), knowing that these properties influence the behavior of nanostructured materials in cells or tissues. Thus, hydroxyapatite nanopowders were characterized by chemical analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In vitro studies on osteoblast cell lines (cytotoxicity and cell proliferation), as well as preliminary mechanical tests, have been performed. The results showed that the obtained powders have a crystallite size below 50 nm and particle size less than 100 nm, demonstrating that hydrothermal synthesis led to hydroxyapatite nanocrystalline powders, with a Ca:P ratio close to the stoichiometric ratio and a controlled morphology (spherical particle aggregates). The tensile strength of HAp samples sintered at 1100 °C/90 min varies between 37.6–39.1 N/mm². HAp samples sintered at 1300 °C/120 min provide better results for the investigated mechanical properties. The coefficient of friction has an appropriate value for biomechanical applications. The results of cell viability showed that the cytotoxic effect is low for all tested samples. Better cell proliferation is observed for osteoblasts grown on square samples.     

Biocompatible Materials for Orbital Wall Reconstruction—An Overview

The reconstruction of an orbit after complex craniofacial fractures can be extremely demanding. For satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, it is necessary to restore the orbital walls and the craniofacial skeleton using various types of materials. The reconstruction materials can be divided into autografts (bone or cartilage tissue) or allografts (metals, ceramics, or plastic materials, and combinations of these materials). Over time, different types of materials have been used, considering characteristics such as their stability, biocompatibility, cost, safety, and intraoperative flexibility. Although the ideal material for orbital reconstruction could not be unanimously identified, much progress has been achieved in recent years. In this article, we summarise the advantages and disadvantages of each category of reconstruction materials. We also provide an update on improvements in material properties through various modern processing techniques. Good results in reconstructive surgery of the orbit require both material and technological innovations.     

Study of ZnO-CNT Nanocomposites in High-Pressure Conditions

Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used extensively to develop new materials and devices due to their specific morphology and properties. The reinforcement of different metal oxides such as zinc oxide (ZnO) with CNT develops advanced multifunctional materials with improved properties. Our aim is to obtain ZnO-CNT nanocomposites by in situ hydrothermal method in high-pressure conditions. Various compositions were tested. The structure and morphology of ZnO-CNT nanocomposites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry—thermogravimetry (DSC-TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These analyses showed the formation of complex ZnO-CNT structures. FT-IR spectra suggest possible interactions between CNT and ZnO. DSC-TG analysis also reveals the formation of some physical bonds between ZnO and CNT, through the appearance of endothermic peaks which could be assigned to the decomposition of functional groups of the CNT chain and breaking of the ZnO-CNT bonds. XRD characterization demonstrated the existence of ZnO nanocrystallites with size around 60 nm. The best ZnO:CNT composition was further selected for preliminary investigations of the potential of these nanocomposite powders to be processed as pastes for extrusion-based 3D printing.