Monoclinic Hydroxyapatite Nanoplates Hybrid Composite with Improved Compressive Strength, and Porosity for Bone Defect Repair: Biomimetic Synthesis and Characterization.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has been used for bone restoration despite its intrinsic fragile property. In order to enhance the CPC mechanical properties, biopolymers were introduced as filler to prepare CPC based cements. Chitosan/tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP)/dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) based cement for bone repair has been prepared in the study. Solidification of the prepared cement was carried out in a simulate body fluid at 37 degrees C. The introduction of chitosan improved the mechanical performance of the as-prepared CPC hybrid nanocomposite. FTIR, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, and SAED were used to characterize the CPC nanocomposite. Data simulations have been performed to assist in determining the crystalline phase/s in the CPC hybrid nanocomposite. Based on the SAED, HRTEM measurements and data simulations, a monoclinic phase of hydroxyapatite (HAP) with a plate-like structure was obtained in the CPC system, which is believed to be responsible for the observed enhancement in CPC mechanical properties. The obtained composite has a biocompatibility comparable to that of commercial sample.