Fabrication of strontium ions substituted hydroxyapatite from the shells of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculate L) with enhanced osteoconductive and improved biological properties

Abstract

The use of biogenic calcium ions for the source of hydroxyapatite (HAp or HA) are very common and have been being explored extensively. However, it usually results high crystalline HA, due to high reaction and decomposition temperatures. In this study, strontium (Sr²⁺) doped HA from the golden apple snail shells (Pomacea canaliculate L) was successfully synthesized. It was indicated that Sr ions completely replaced calcium (Ca) ions, increased the lattice constant, and consecutively reduced HA crystallinity. Smaller crystal size and β-type carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions substitution with Ca/P close to 1.67 molar ratio that mimic bone crystals were observed in Sr-doped HA, with significant increased rate of MC3T3-E1 cells viability and higher IC₅₀ values. It was proven that Sr ions substitution resolved challenges on the use of biogenic sources for HA fabrication. Further in vivo study is needed to continue to valorise the results into real biomedical and clinical applications.