Synthesis of Microcrystalline Wollastonite Bioceramics and Evolution of Bioactivity

Alpha and beta wollastonite can serve as alternative low-cost bioceramics for bone repair and drug delivery. However, it has been challenging to develop energy-saving, facile and rapid synthetic methodologies for bioactive wollastonite phases. The aim of this work was the rapid preparation and characterization of bioactive alpha- and beta-wollastonite powders by a coprecipitation method and their in-vitro bioactivity evaluation in the SBF solution. The results revealed that heating of the reactant solution at 100 degrees C for 2 h before sintering induced rapid formation of pure alpha- and beta-wollastonite powders with agglomerated particles size in the range 2-7 mu m. In-vitro bioactivity testing showed that the prepared alpha- and beta-Wollastonite powders exhibit excellent bioactivity performance. Therefore, this method is promising for preparing bioactive wollastonite structures for medical applications such as bone substitutes and drug carriers.