Study of Influence of Seashell (Crassostrea virginica) Precursor and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract on the Microstructure and Anti Microbial Activity of Nano Scale Hydroxyapatite towards Dental Applications

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a naturally occurring important osteo dental mineral in humans. Synthesis of the biomineral of hydroxyapatite in the nano scale as a versatile ceramic having an adhesive property, as a tissue transplant, dental implant is an ongoing research. The research reports have mainly focused on enhancing various properties of hydroxyapatite by making as nanocomposities for multifunctional applications. There is a need for making use of biowastes, (animal or sea wastes) that can be the potential precursors with abundant minerals for the fabrication of HA. The research study focusses on the conversion the seawaste/ seashell (Crassostrea virginica seashell) into hydroxyapatite followed by further modification with neem (Azadirachta indica) extract for enhanced anti-microbial activity. The study provided a road map in two aspects one being, locating the rich natural resources (sea) in the country and another being efficient tapping of such resources as the precursors for the fabrication of biomedicated materials. The highlight of the study is the comparison of the assynthesized material (from the green source) with the sample synthesized from a purely synthetic resource. The comparison in terms of microstructure, morphology, anti-microbial activity provided many cues to synthesis- structure- activity relationship of HA. The effective change in surface morphology and the ratio of Ca to P (Ca/P) of HAp is an important step towards tooth and bone replacement upon modification The benefit of addition of further antioxidant natural extracts to HA depends on the condition of in situ or post preparation of HA. The screening of antimicrobial properties (Streptococcus mutans bacteria and Candida albicans fungi) of the synthesized HAps gave satisfactory results. Ultimately the research study contributes towards the efficient design of multifunctionality to the bio mineral of HA. It will benefit the field of dentistry and orthopedics.