Process of formation of bone-like apatite layer on silica gel

It has been proposed that a hydrated silica plays an important role in forming a biologically active apatite layer on the surfaces of bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics in the body. Recent experiments have shown that a silica hydrogel actually induces apatite formation on its surface in a simulated body fluid (SBF). In the present study the process of apatite formation on silica gel was investigated by means of thin-film X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared reflection spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic observation of the surface of the silica gel, as well as the measurement of changes in the ion concentration of the fluid. It was found that the induction period for the apatite nucleation on the surface of the silica gel was about 6 days. Once the apatite nuclei were formed they grew, taking a spherulitic form by consuming the calcium and phosphate ions from the surrounding fluid. Each spherulite consisted of a lot of flake that clustered into a petal-like morphology. The flake was carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite of small-crystallites and/or defective structure. The Ca/P ratio of the apatite was estimated as 1.5–1.6. Thus, the apatite formed was able to induce secondary nucleation of the apatite.