Hydrothermal synthesis of hydroxyapatite plates prepared using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)

Materials with enhanced physical and biological properties have been used for biomedical applications and can be developed by functionalizing them using various components. Hydroxyapatite (HAP), among other available synthetic material, serves as one of the best tools in orthopaedics and ceramic coatings. The porous structure of HAP helps in bone cell regeneration, chemical integration of bone and also favours the interaction between bone and tissues. Herein, we have demonstrated a simple procedure for the synthesis of HAP using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), a structural analogue of bone heparan sulphate proteoglycan. The presence of small sized HAP plates with well-defined structures was revealed using electron microscopic analysis. The phase purity of the synthesized HAP was evaluated using X-ray diffraction pattern obtained before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF).