Correlation between biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr modified calcium phosphates

This study investigates the correlation between the biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr-modified Calcium Phosphates (ZnSr–CaPs) synthesized via the sol–gel combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp), CaCO3, and Ca(OH)2 phases in the undoped sample, while the additional phase, Ca3(PO4)2 (β-TCP) was formed in modified samples. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis demonstrated the incorporation of Sr into the lattice, with a preference for occupying the Ca1 sites in the HAp matrix. The introduction of Zn, furthermore, led to the formation of ZnO and CaZnO2 species. The ZnSr–CaPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species by ZnO, the oxidation reaction of CaZnO2, and the presence of Sr ions. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a correlation between the variation in ZnO content and cellular viability, with lower ZnO concentrations corresponding to higher cell viability. Additionally, the cooperative effects of Zn and Sr ions were found to enhance the bioactivity of CaPs, despite ZnO hindering the apatite formation process. These findings contribute to the deep understanding of the diverse role in modulating the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and bioactive properties of ZnSr–CaPs, offering potential applications in the field of biomaterials.