Synthesis of oriented hydroxyapatite crystals: Effect of reaction conditions in the presence or absence of silk sericin

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of silk sericin (SS) on the morphology and crystallinity of hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystals synthesized at the pH 7.4–12 and 50°C via a biomimetic method. Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), it was revealed that a homogeneous assembly could be obtained in the presence of SS, which held a highly ordered microstructure and poor crystallinity. But in the absence of SS, an oriented aggregate could be prepared at 50°C and pH 10, which held more confused crystal lattice lines. The results proved that the biomimetic structure of HAp could be constructed under the controlled reaction conditions, which may offer a new clue on the understanding of the process of biomineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]