Apatite Coatings from Ostrich Eggshell and its Bioactivity Assessment

In this work a two-step thermochemical deposition of calcium phosphate from ostrich eggshell on titanium surface was performed. After the deposition, the coatings were immersed into 0,1M KOH solution in order to favoring HA precipitation. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope with field emission gun (FEG-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Bioactivity assessment was performed in cell culture media, McCoy 5A medium, for 14 days. XRD patterns showed brushite/monetite as the phases present at first deposition step; in the second deposition step XRD patterns indicated HA phase peaks on titanium surface. After 14 days on McCoy 5A medium, brushite/monetite coatings revealed bone-like apatite precipitation, showing bioactivity; hydroxyapatite coatings showed a surface modification but no significant bone-like apatite precipitation, thus lower bioactivity. The use of ostrich eggshells as an alternative source to obtain bioactive calcium phosphate coatings showed to be effective.