Abstract
This study aims to produce hydroxyapatite from camel dentine through defatting and deproteinizing, assessing its physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Repurposing discarded camel teeth as biowaste can yield valuable hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications, aligning with SDGs for good health and well-being (SDG-3) and responsible consumption and production (SDG-12), as well as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Ethical approval from the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, was obtained for the study methodology. Steps included disinfection, enamel and cementum removal, pressure-cooking, fat extraction with 0.1 M NaOH at 70°C, and drying prior to grinding. Deproteinization of camel dentine was achieved via low heat sintering at 750°C for 8 hours, resulting in a 44% weight reduction. Subsequently, camel dentine hydroxyapatite (CDHA) was prepared for physicochemical and biological analysis.
Physicochemical analysis via Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) and micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed hydroxyapatite's characteristic functional groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses validated hydroxyapatite extracted from camel dentine (CDHA), consistent with expected profiles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed dentinal tubules (1.69–2.91 µm diameter). Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) identified CDHA's primarily calcium-phosphorus composition, with traces of sodium, magnesium, potassium, and strontium. CDHA incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 28 days elevated scaffold pH to 9.2. In vitro, CDHA supported Saos-2 cell proliferation and osteonectin expression within 14 days.
The findings of this study underscore the promising opportunity presented by repurposing discarded camel teeth as a sustainable resource for extracting hydroxyapatite, employing a simple, economical, and replicable methodology.
Poster presentation