Synthesis and Characterization of Double Calcium Iron Phosphate from Chicken Eggshell

With the increase in life expectancy and the significant incidence of lesions of the musculoskeletal system, both the public and private sectors seek improvements in their products and processes in order to contribute to the health of the population. Every year tons of chicken eggshell (CES) from domestic consumption are released in environment and the present work aims the production of a synthetic ceramic bone substitute using the eggshell as a source of calcium ions. According to the methodology, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol% of iron ions were used and the characterization assays demonstrated the formation of a double calcium iron phosphate - Ca9Fe(PO4)7. MG63 cells were cultured on test specimens to cell viability assay and to each doped group analyzed, verifying cell compatibility with the studied compounds, as well as a good adhesion profile. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cells showed that material surface favored cell adhesion and the results demonstrated that the production of the compounds were viable to Ca9Fe(PO4)7 phase. So, in the future, it will be possible to have a final comprehensive biological compatibility of the prototype for further in vitro and in vivo assays.