Bioactivity assessment of ZSM-5 type zeolite functionalized with silver or zinc

High SiO2/Al2O3 ratio ZSM-5 type zeolite was synthesized with non-organic template, common and cheap chemical reagents and an easy procedure. The surface of the obtained zeolite was functionalized with Ag+ or Zn2+. The bioactivity of the materials was tested in vitro using single immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). A dense and homogeneous bonelike apatite layer was formed on the functionalized zeolite surface in less than 14 days. The outstanding ability to promote the apatite formation showed by metal functionalized high SiO2/Al2O3 ZSM-5 type zeolites opens a new alternative to develop advanced biomaterials potentially useful for bone regeneration and other medical purposes.