Synthesis and characterization of nano-biocomposite (PMMA-hydroxyapatite - CaZrO³) for bone tissue engineering

ABSTRACT

In a common scenario, bone fractures have a self-healing function with free-surgical intervention. However, some fractures in bone tissue are complex and leave behind remnant deformation that requires biomaterials for replacement. The aim of this study is to develop a new composite 3D scaffold for bone regeneration and replacement composed of calcium zirconate (CaZrO₃), hydroxyapatite (HA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer. Different 3D scaffolds were fabricated by mixing 90, 80, 70, and 60 wt. % PMMA with HA and CaZrO₃ nanoparticles in different concentrations. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were applied to characterize the 3D composite scaffold properties. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the fabricated scaffolds were investigated using Brazilian diametral fracture test. It was found that incorporating a uniform distribution of HA nanoparticles significantly increased the surface roughness of the composite scaffold. Furthermore, the fracture strength of the fabricated 3D scaffolds showed a remarkable improvement of 86% in the sample containing 90% PMMA, 7% HA, and 3% CaZrO₃ compared to the sample devoid of CaZrO₃. Our findings strongly indicate that integrating hybrid CaZrO₃-HA nanoparticles into PMMA polymer for the production of 3D composite scaffolds holds significant promise for bone tissue applications, potentially enhancing their efficacy and performance.

KEYWORDS:

• Bone tissue engineering
• Brazilian test; calcium zirconate (CaZro3)
• Hydroxyapatite (HA)
• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

Acknowledgments

This work is funded by Researchers Supporting Project number [RSP2024R117], King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [RSP2024R117].

Notes on contributors

Ali A. Al-allaq

Ali A. Al-Allaq is a Biomedical Engineer currently working as a lecturer in the Ministry of higher education and scientific Research-Iraq, office of construction and projects, majoring in Biomechanics and biomaterials.

Jenan S. Kashan

Jenan S. Kashan is a professor at the University of Technology-Iraq, Department of Biomedical Engineering majoring in biomaterials for scaffolds, bone remodelling, and reconstruction.

Abdalla Abdal-Hay

Abdalla Abdal-Hay is a professor at the University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Brisbane, Australia, majoring in research in Biomedical Engineering for the treatment of craniofacial and oral-dental disease.

Hassan Fouad

Hassan Fouad is a professor at the King Saud University, Community College, Applied Medical Science Department, majoring in Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering.