In vitro drug release study from hydroxyapatite-alumina composites

Modern technologies require new materials with an increasingly varied set of properties. In this context, biomaterials such as synthetic hydroxyapatite have become of great interest for research and development in the field of materials science and engineering. In spite of its biocompatibility, hydroxyapatite suffers from low mechanical strength. Aiming to improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite without affecting its biocompatibility, the formation of hydroxyapatite composites with alumina (Al₂O₃) as a reinforcement has been studied. In this work, hydroxyapatite was synthesized via a sol–gel method. Hydroxyapatite/alumina composites (HAp/Al₂O₃) were prepared in different proportions to determine the best combination to be used as a controlled release system of ampicillin. The samples obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical behavior was evaluated by diametrical compression. After characterization of the composites, the sample with the highest mechanical resistance was chosen for the incorporation and release of ampicillin. The study showed very different release profiles, indicating that the release devices prepared may be useful in clinical applications that require varying times for treatment.