Bone-like hydroxyapatite precipitated from 10xSBF-like solution by microwave irradiation

Microwave-assisted methods have been frequently used in many processes owing to their numerous advantages such as performing fast, efficient and homogenous processes and reducing side reactions. In view of these benefits, in this study it was purposed to produce bone-like hydroxyapatite (HA) by inducing biomimetic process with microwave-irradiation. This is why, concentrated body fluid (SF) i.e. 10xSBF-like solution was used and it was precipitated in different microwave powers i.e. 90W, 360W, 600W, and 1200W and in different exposure times. For comparison, precipitation process was also carried out at room temperature for 6 h and at 80 degrees C for 1 h. The obtained HA structures were characterized by appropriate instrumental techniques. As a result, microwave-induced precipitation at 600W for 9 times 30 s was determined as the optimum condition for the production of HA which has similar properties to the cortical bone. At this condition, B-type HA with 922% (wt.) carbonate content, 1.61 Ca/P molar ratio and amorphous structure was obtained easily, rapidly and efficiently. So, this is the first time microwave technology has been used to precipitate HA from SBF solution. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.