Rapid microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of nanosized silver-doped hydroxyapatite with antibacterial properties

Synthesis of nanosized particles of silver-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) as an antibacterial agent is of potential importance in managing infections associated with surgical implants. However, the process of synthesizing this agent is time consuming and inefficient. To overcome this problem, a rapid method for synthesizing nano-sized Ag-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) [Ca10−xAgx(PO4)6(OH)2] (x=0.03–0.5) using microwave irradiation for 10 min at 800 W is proposed. The materials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM and EDX. Antibacterial behavior of the Ag-HA samples were evaluated using disc diffusion technique and results demonstrated good activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

► Microwave refluxing synthesis of nanosized silver-doped hydroxyapatite. ► Nanoparticles with size range between 70 and 85 nm has been prepared within 10 min. ► Good antibacterial activity and silver release.