Enhancement of bioactivity of collagen–hydroxyapatite nanocomposite on He+ ion implantation

This study focuses on the effect of He⁺ ion implantation on the structural, microstructural, and bioactivity of the collagen–hydroxyapatite (Cg/HAP) nanocomposite for orthopedics as well as vascular stent applications. The material is successfully synthesized by a surfactant-mediated approach and has been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and bioactivity analysis techniques. The presence of the characteristic peaks of collagen in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirms the successful synthesis of Cg/HAP nanocomposite. Observation of a blueshift reduction in the intensity and broadening of the peaks corresponding to the asymmetric stretching mode of PO₄⁻³ (1034–1083 cm⁻¹) on the HAP addition indicates a strong interaction between the HAP nanoparticles and collagen. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed the phase of protein content within the sample. On ion implantation, a reduction in the crystalline size is observed from the XRD analysis. The enhancement in the bioactivity of implanted Cg/HAP composite is based on electronic loss. The electronic interaction through various processes makes the surface of the composites charged leading to more surface deposition activity from simulated body fluid studies, which is further confirmed by the higher surface roughness of the implanted samples.