A novel nanocomposite of HAp–TiC–Ag with enhanced mechanical and biological properties for bone regrowth and anticancer applications†

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based composites are extensively used in various applications, including bone regeneration, bone implants, catalysis, drug delivery, and cancer treatment, owing to their unique properties such as osteogenesis, osteoconduction, and osteoinduction, as well as their ability to inhibit tumor cell growth. In this study, pure HAp and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized using microwave irradiation and green synthesis methods, while a solid-state reaction route was employed for the fabrication of HAp–TiC–Ag composites aimed at enhancing their mechanical and biological properties. A range of characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, Raman, XPS, DLS, SEM, TEM, and in vitro assays, were used to assess the structural, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of the composites. The composite HTA6 exhibited excellent mechanical properties, including a high compressive strength (185 MPa), elevated fracture toughness (10.88 MPa m^1/2), a moderate Young's modulus (1.08 GPa), and a Vickers hardness (339.65 HV). The cell viability tests demonstrated that HTA6 treatment did not significantly reduce osteoblast cell growth, while significantly inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Additionally, the composite showed good biocompatibility, displaying non-cytotoxicity in D. melanogaster and strong antibacterial activities against the tested bacteria. These findings suggest that HTA6 is a promising candidate for applications in bone regeneration and cancer treatment.