Iranian researchers from Kashan University in association with their colleagues from Isfahan University of Technology succeeded in the synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanostructure through a new yet very simple method.
In this method, the shape and size of synthesized nanostructured particles can be easily controlled. Energy and time-saving are among the advantages of this method.
Numerous methods have so far been reported for the production of hydroxyapatite due to the wide applications of this material. However, this research tries to present a simple method that can control the shape and size of hydroxyapatite particles at nanometric scale. In addition, the temperature and time of reaction are relatively low in comparison with those of other reported methods.
Dr. Fatemeh Mohandes, one of the researchers, explained about the research, and said, "The main purpose of the research was to control the shape and size of hydroxyapatite nanostructures. Various methods and surfactants have so far been used to reach this goal. However, we succeeded in the production of hydroxyapatite nanostructures, including nanorods and nanoparticles, in this method by using Schiff-base organic compounds. The use of Schiff-base compounds had not been reported for the controlling of shape and size of hydroxyapatite nanostructures. Our research team successfully used these compounds under the supervision of Prof. Mas'ood Salavati Niyasari."
Results obtained from the characterization of the product showed that the synthesized materials have high purity and efficiency. Studying the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite nanostructures synthesized through this method shows that one-dimensional nanostructures (nanorods) have higher biological activity in comparison with zero-dimensional nanostructures (nanoparticles).
Results of the research have been published in Ceramics International, vol. 40, issue 8-A, 2014, pp. 12227-12233.