AC Electric Conductivity and Biochemical Analyses of Physiologic Solutions to Follow Biomimetic Coatings on Corals Impregnated with Ag or Zn or Sr Ions

The impregnation of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treated corals (Favia Stelligera) from Red Sea coast, Egypt with two moles of either divalent (Sr 2+ , Zn 2+ ) or mono valent (Ag + ) ions for 6 hours at ambient conditions was performed. Subsequent effect on hydroxyapatite (HA) deposition upon immersion in saline and simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions up to 72 h was followed through measuring room temperature Ac-electrical conductivities solutions during immersion periods. The changes in the levels of Calcium Ca 2+ and inorganic phosphorous iP in SBF were followed by spectrophotometer post 72 h immersion using biochemical kits in both solutions. The microstructures of the impregnated corals were examined using Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) compared to the control treated with NaOCl. Various levels of Ca 2+ and iP in SBF were obtained in the trend of more HA deposition. Massive Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) formation was achieved proving biolayer formation. The samples possess intermediate porosity of 17% with interconnectivity and architectures similar to bone. It was found that the immersion of impregnated samples in SBF formed HA which differed according to the valency of the ions and its effect on morphology. Therefore, the samples are suggested as hard tissue engineered constructs that possess antimicrobial effect and/or bone seeking function to reduce implant infection and enhance bone formation.