Bone-like hydroxyapatite precipitated from 10×SBF-like solution by microwave irradiation

• Simple, rapid and efficient method was developed to produce bone-like HA.
• Microwave radiation and biomimetic approach via 10×SBF-like solution were combined.
• Microwave irradiation at 600 W for 9 × 30 s was determined as the optimum condition.
• B-type HA (carbonate content: 9.22%; 1.61 Ca/P:1.61; amorph) was produced.
• This method may be employed for the effective HA coating of 3D bone scaffolds.

Microwave-assisted methods have been frequently used in many processes owing to their numerous advantages such as performing fast, efficient and homogenous processes and reducing side reactions. In view of these benefits, in this study it was purposed to produce bone-like hydroxyapatite (HA) by inducing biomimetic process with microwave-irradiation. This is why, concentrated body fluid (SBF) i.e. 10×SBF-like solution was used and it was precipitated in different microwave powers i.e. 90 W, 360 W, 600 W, and 1200 W and in different exposure times. For comparison, precipitation process was also carried out at room temperature for 6 h and at 80 °C for 1 h. The obtained HA structures were characterized by appropriate instrumental techniques. As a result, microwave-induced precipitation at 600 W for 9 times 30 s was determined as the optimum condition for the production of HA which has similar properties to the cortical bone. At this condition, B-type HA with 9.22% (wt.) carbonate content, 1.61 Ca/P molar ratio and amorphous structure was obtained easily, rapidly and efficiently. So, this is the first time microwave technology has been used to precipitate HA from SBF solution.