Characterization and Biocompatibility Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite Doped with Silver and/or Fluorine
Hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH)] is a form of calcium phosphate inorganic compound of great importance in the health area because of its presence in bone as in teeth where it provides structural rigidity to the matrix. Hydroxyapatite is often used in the biomaterial area as a primary material for implants that help regenerate tissues. The addition of doping agents may improve the degree of crystallization providing new characteristics to the material without losing its biocompatibility. The present study shows characterization results for a hydroxyapatite biomaterial doped with silver and/or fluorine prepared through combustion method. The mineralogy was determined using X-Ray diffraction identifying the following phases: Ca5(PO4)3OH, Ca2P2O7, Ag3PO4, Ca5(PO4)3F and CaF2; the oxidation state of elements was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; the morphological structure was studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Biocompatibility tests through intramuscular and subcutaneous implantation were performed in rodents to evaluate inflammatory response at 7, 14 and 30 days.