Glowing combustion synthesis, characterization and biomedical properties of Sr-hardystonite (Sr2ZnSi2O7) powders

Calcium/magnesium/strontium silicate ceramics have received considerable attention in biomedical applications as an alternative to calcium phosphates. In this study, a new strontium zinc silicate ceramic powder Sr-Hardystonite (Sr2ZnSi2O7) was prepared by citric acid-succinic acid assisted glowing combustion method. The dried precursor gel obtained was decomposed in the preheated temperature and calcined at different temperatures (600 ?/6 h, 900 ?/6 h, 1200 ?/10 h). Phase evaluation study by the Powder-XRD reveals the formation of single phasic Sr-Hardystonite at 1200 ?/10 h in the tetragonal crystal system. FTIR and FT-RAMAN studies proved the formation of single phasic Sr-Hardystonite. Surface (SEM, TEM) and particle size analysis revealed the formation of micron size irregular particle morphology. The hemocompatibility studies reveal that the prepared material does not cause disruption of the red blood cells and is bioinert in nature. In-vitro assessment revealed that the scaffold and powder forms did not cause any toxic effect on the tested osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63. ALP activity was increasing, which indicates that the material exhibits positive effect on bone cells, which is an important indicator of cell the growth.