Extraction and Characterization of Aceh Bovine Bone-Derived Hydroxyapatite for Applications in Dentistry.

Abstract

Objective:  Bone grafts derived from natural hydroxyapatite (HA) are increasingly being explored because they are more economical in terms of production costs compared with commercial HA. HA can be obtained from local cattle slaughter waste in Aceh, Indonesia, which has not been widely studied for its potential for dental applications. This study examines the synthesis and characterization of bovine HA (BHA) derived from Aceh cattle femur through calcination for applications in dentistry.

Materials and methods:  This research began with the cleaning of fresh bones by boiling and soaking them in acetone for 2 hours before 3-hour calcination at varying temperatures. The BHA samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and particle size analyzer (PSA).

Statistical analysis:  Data were analyzed using SPSS with a one-way analysis of variance to assess the impact of calcination temperature on the yield and particle size of BHA.

Results:  BHA obtained from calcination at 900°C and 1,000°C showed the highest crystallinity, with values above 84%, and uniform particle distribution. PSA and SEM analysis showed that BHA particles were spherical in submicron size, which became smaller and more uniform but agglomeration did not occur significantly between each increase in calcination temperature. FTIR analysis showed the presence of phosphate, carbonate, and hydroxyl functional groups. Elemental composition analysis using EDX confirmed that essential elements such as calcium and phosphorus were distributed consistently at all temperatures with a Ca/P ratio of 1.7 to 2.3.

Discussion:  Based on the characteristics of crystallinity, particle size, and chemical composition of the obtained BHA, it is considered optimal for bioactivity, which allows stimulation of new bone tissue formation and promotes osseointegration while balancing structural stability. This makes BHA derived from Aceh cattle bones a suitable bone filler candidate for treating alveolar bone defects in hard tissue regeneration. These findings highlight the potential use of cattle bone waste as a sustainable source of HA in dental applications.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that Aceh bovine bones are a viable source for producing quality BHA, potentially contributing to more sustainable and ecofriendly biomaterials for dental applications.