Preparation and characterization of nanosilver-doped porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds

Silver nanoparticle (Ag-np) is a new kind of antibacterial agent which is widely used in medical supplies. In this study, a simple approach is described to obtain Ag-doped HA scaffolds. Hydroxyapatite (HA) bone scaffolds with controllable pore size were fabricated by a micro-syringe extrusion system. Sintered HA scaffolds were then immersed in silver reaction hydrosol in order to get Ag-doped HA scaffolds. SEM and EDS shows a uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles on the surface of HA scaffolds. Such Ag-np doped HA scaffolds, displaying a good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), are likely to prevent bone implant associated bacterial infections. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.