Production of Bio-Hydroxyapatite from Devilfish (Loricariidae) Waste by Controlled Calcination: Analysis of Physicochemical Properties

Abstract

This study presents a circular economy approach for producing bio-hydroxyapatite (Bio-HAp) from devilfish (Loricariidae) waste through controlled calcination. The process addresses the environmental challenge of devilfish overpopulation while valorizing biowaste by converting it into a high added value biomaterial. Devilfish bones, composed primarily of calcium phosphates, were calcined to synthesize Bio-HAp. The physicochemical properties of the resulting Bio-HAp were systematically analyzed using morphological, compositional, structural, and vibrational characterization techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed microstructural features, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified crystalline phases, confirming the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to elucidate vibrational properties and verify the chemical structure of the synthesized HAp. Results demonstrated that Bio-HAp derived from devilfish waste exhibits high crystallinity, near stoichiometric Ca/P ratio (1.67) and higher bioactivity, properties characteristic of high purity HAp. This work underscores the potential of biowaste as a sustainable resource for biomaterials and highlights the integration of circular economy principles in materials science to develop eco-friendly, economically viable solutions. Controlled calcination effectively converts devilfish waste into valuable HAp, paving the way for innovative applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, and industry.

The conversion of invasive devilfish bone waste into bio-hydroxyapatite presents a sustainable strategy to mitigate ecological damage while yielding high-value biomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications through controlled calcination.