R. MORSY

Biophysics Laboratory, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt,  Tel: +201092803475, Fax: +20403350804

An effective multifunctional biocomposite based on biological hydroxyapatite (B-HAp) and ZnO nanoparticles serving as bone implant, disinfectant and source of vital trace elements, was synthesized by cost effective method. Sterilized B-HAp powder rich of vital trace elements was extracted from cattle bones while ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using co-precipitation method. The prepared particles and composites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM and ICP-Ms techniques. XRD and FT-IR analyses confirmed synthesis of pure B-HAp powder, ZnO nanoparticles and B-HAp/ZnO composites. SEM data showed that the B-HAp particles have sizes in range of 1–2 µm while ZnO particles have sizes in range of 20–30 nm. The antibacterial activity of these composites was tested against Escherichia coli, gram negative strain, and Staphylococcus aureus, gram positive strain. The synthetic composites showed antibacterial activity to both of the tested micro-organisms. The results reveal the effectiveness of biocomposite based on B-HAp and ZnO nanoparticles as disinfectant and source of vital trace elements. The results indicated that B-HAp/ZnO composites are promising for medical applications such as bone repair and replacement.

Author’s e-mail: r.morsy@science.tanta.edu.eg

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