Surface Activation and Crystallographic Investigation of Nano-crystalline Alumina Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

Alumina is an inert bioceramic with improved mechanical properties in comparison to hydroxyapatite. It is possible to active the surface of the inert porous alumina. In this research, the surface of alumina scaffolds was activated with surface modification and creating of hydroxyl groups in order to silanization of scaffolds. The crystallinity degree and the lattice parameters and lattice constant and crystallite sizes of inert alumina scaffolds and activated surface one were estimated by XRD patterns. The results revealed that the intensity of peaks has been decreased after surface modification. It means the crystallinity degree has been decreased and the amorphous phase increased. As well, the theoretical calculations showed the crystallinity degree has been decreased from 77% to 66%. The crystal structures and lattice parameters of scaffolds are so close to natural corundum. The chemical structure of the alumina scaffold before and after the hydration process was characterized by FTIR instrument. The SEM images of the alumina scaffolds showed the porosities of the scaffolds are interconnected with appropriate size for bone tissue regeneration.