Fabrication and characterization of bone graft nano bovine hydroxyapatite-gelatine-calcium sulfate: A top-down approach for a natural biomaterial

Bone defects resulted from fractures caused by vehicle accidents, falls, heavy object impacts, or acts of violence. Bone grafting is one of treatment method of bone defects. This study aims to investigate the impact of gelatin: CaSO₄ concentration variation on nano BHA-Gelatin-CaSO₄ composite pellets. Nano BHA constitutes a fixed concentration of 51.5% in each formula, with gelatin: CaSO₄ concentrations of 10:38.5, 15:33.5, and 20:28.5 (in percentage). Compressive strength was measured using an autograph, while degradation tests were conducted by immersing pellets in pH 7.4 PBS. Morphology, pore size, and Ca/P ratio were observed using SEM-EDX. Results revealed that the compressive strength of pellets in formula 1, formula 2, and formula 3 were respectively 1.82±0.02 MPa, 2.21±0.06 MPa, and 2.35±0.03 MPa (p=0.000). Weight reduction percentages in the degradation test for formula 1, formula 2, and formula 3 were respectively 24.60±0.73%, 32.18±0.34%, and 100.0% (p=0.012). Average pore sizes produced in formula 1, formula 2, and formula 3 were respectively 1.25± 0.03μm, 1.06±02μm, and 0.95±0.10μm (p=0.002). EDX analysis of BHA-gelatin-CaSO₄ nano pellets detected C, O, Mg, P, S, and Ca elements, with Ca/P ratios of 4.24, 4.10, and 4.06, respectively. In conclusion, variations in gelatin: CaSO₄ concentration affects the compressive strength test, degradation test, and the resulting pore size.