Bovine hydroxyapatite bioceramics incorporated into 3Y-TZP nanoparticles: a comparison between the molding and pressing technique.

• Grant number: 24/22805-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Ana Flávia Sanches Borges
• Grantee: Gustavo Daguano Orlando
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) of bovine origin is widely recognized for its biocompatibility,osteoconductivity and structural similarity to human bone tissue. However, its limitedmechanical properties restrict its use in applications that require greater resistance. Theincorporation of polycrystalline zirconia nanoparticles stabilized by 3-mol% yttrium (3Y-TZP) has been shown to be effective in improving these properties, promoting toughnessthrough phase transformation. This study aims to synthesize bovine HA bioceramicsincorporated with 1% 3Y-TZP using two different methods: uniaxial pressing (subtractivemanufacturing) and molding with colloidal silica (additive manufacturing).The bioceramics will be evaluated for their physicochemical, mechanical andmicrostructural characteristics. The synthesis of bovine HA will be carried out from bovinemetatarsals, subjected to thermal and mechanical treatments to obtain nanoparticulatepowder, which will receive the addition of 3Y-TZP. The pressing method will involve discshaping and sintering, while molding will use a mixture of HA and colloidal silica, enablingcustomization of shapes with low material waste. Tests of biaxial flexural strength,fracture toughness and microstructural analysis by SEM/EDS and XRD will be conducted,following ISO 6872:2015 standards. It is expected to determine which processing methodprovides better physicochemical and mechanical properties to bioceramics, contributingto the development of sustainable and economically viable materials for clinical dentalapplications. (AU)