Carbon nanotubes assisted biomimetic synthesis of hydroxyapatite from simulated body fluid

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA) using carboxylated carbon nanotubes were investigated using simulated body fluid (SBF) similar to physiological condition and products tailored to have chemistry found to mimic natural bone. Composites were synthesized under ambient condition and physiological temperature (37 degrees C). Former results the formation of dense net over carbon nanotubes even after 21 days of reaction, a hierarchy assemblies, whereas later results the formation of large crystals after 7 days of reaction. Physico-chemical characterization of composite material showed that the nucleation of HA initiates through the carboxyl group. Different parameters like temperature and reaction time were found to control the crystallization of HA. After 7 days of reaction, the crystal becames denser and directs towards the single plane; (0 0 2), thereby showing its phase purity. The result showed that the carboxylated carbon nanotubes were capable to nucleate HA from SBF, which can be used as a biomaterial for the modification of implant materials. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.