Impact of B2O3 and La2O3 addition on structural, mechanical and biological properties of hydroxyapatite

In this study, hydroxyapatite-B2O3-La2O3 composites (with <= 20 wt.% B2O3 and <= 2 wt.% La2O3) were synthesized via wet precipitation method and calcined at 1100 degrees C for 1 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the existence of the pure hydroxyapatite (HA) phase with high crystallinity. Characteristic absorption bands of HA were also observed in Fourier transform infrared spectra. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the addition of B2O3 and La2O3 into HA enhanced the particle growth. Mechanical properties of the composites were studied by diametral tensile test and the results showed that incorporation of 10 wt.% B2O3 and 2 wt.% La2O3 led to a 39% increase in tensile strength (compared to the pure HA). In vitro cytocompatibility of HA-B2O3-La2O3 composites was investigated using Osteosarcoma Cell Lines (Saos-2). Incorporation of B2O3 and La2O3 into HA had no toxic effect towards the cells. Based on its tensile strength properties and biological response, composite of 88 wt.% HA, 10 wt.% B2O3 and 2 wt.% La2O3 was suggested as a promising composite for bone tissue engineering applications.