Crystallographic characterization and application of copper doped hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a prominent biomaterial used as an effective implant material in bone tissue engineering. This research work reports the synthesis of copper (Cu) doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) with an enhancement of properties for advanced applications in biomedical sectors. By varying the percentages of Cu (0, 5, and 10%), the desired doped samples were prepared. By employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, the characterization of the synthesized materials was performed. Using the XRD data, different crystallographic parameters like microstrain, crystallinity index, lattice parameters, HAp percentage, dislocation density, specific area, degree of crystallinity, and preferential growth were evaluated along with crystallite size with the aid of different model equations. The biocompatibility of the prepared doped HAp samples was explored through haemolysis tests, cytotoxicity analysis, and antimicrobial activity study (using both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). The observed results confirm 5% Cu-doped hydroxyapatite as a good choice for use in biomedical fields. Cu-doped hydroxyapatite is synthesized from eggshell and its suitability as a potential biomaterial is examined via cytotoxicity, haemolysis and antibacterial activity.