Characterisation of hydroxyapatite based composites for bone repair

In this study attempts were made to develop possible substitute materials for use in dental and orthopaedic surgery. Hydroxyapatite (HA), the mineral component of bone has been isolated from sources like mammalian bone and teeth. This material was admixed with different proportions of two different material e.g., alpha-ketoglutaric acid and chitosan separately. These composites were tested for biocompatibility and their biomechanical parameters were also determined. At this stage it appears that the chitosan-HA composite is the best biomechanically. Clinical studies are continuing.