High energy irradiation - a tool for enhancing the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite

The effect of swift heavy ion irradiation on the surface modification and bioactivity of microwave sintered hydroxyapatite (HAp) pellets has been studied. The irradiated surface of the pellets was completely covered by tightly packed rectangular platy crystals. The pellets subjected to 300 degrees C conventional sintering (after microwave sintering) before irradiation showed a plain surface. XRD studies confirmed the surface to be HAp but decrease in crystallinity and crystal size was observed. In vitro bioactivity study had revealed the formation of unique three dimensional macroporous apatite layer on irradiated surfaces. The irradiation with swift heavy oxygen ions enhanced the bioactivity of the HAp bioceramics.