Evaluation of hemocompatibility and in vitro immersion on microwave-assisted hydroxyapatite–alumina nanocomposites

This study reports the microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of nHAp (nano-hydroxyapatite)–alumina composites. The crystalline phase and interaction of alumina with nHAp was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman microscopy analysis, respectively. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) micrographs exhibit morphological changes of nHAp composites with increasing alumina concentrations. Microhardness studies reveal the enhanced mechanical strength of nHAp10 and nHAp20 nanocomposites than pure nHAp. In vitro bioactivity of the nanocomposites was studied by immersing samples in simulated body fluid (Hank's solution) for 21 days. The surface of biomineralized samples were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Hemolytic assay revealed acceptable compatibility for varying concentrations of all the samples. Cell proliferation assay was systematically investigated for 1 day and 3 days on Saos-2 osteoblast-like cell lines and it was found that nHAp nanocomposites improved the proliferation. - Highlights: • The microwave-assisted hydroxyapatite (nHAp)–alumina nanocomposites were prepared. • Structural and interaction between nHAp and alumina have been explored. • Increased alumina concentration enhanced mechanical strength of the nHAp. • Trace elements from SBF, incorporated on nHAp–alumina nanocomposite surface, were characterized by FESEM and EDX techniques. • Hemocompatibility of the samples were evaluated and the results are in accordance with ASTM standards