Stabilization of Zirconia Nanoparticles with Collagen Protein and Calcium Carbonate: A Groundbreaking Breakthrough in Nanotechnology

Research conducted at Government College Women University in Sialkot, Pakistan, has made a significant breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology. Investigators have utilized collagen protein extracted from eggshell membrane and calcium carbonate to enhance the stability and hardness of zirconia crystals. This innovative approach has led to the formation of phase pure and dense particles, demonstrating exceptional hardness and fracture toughness.

Key Takeaways:

• The research utilized five different samples, prepared by adding membrane containing eggshell content in varying amounts (1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g) to aqueous zirconium oxychloride sol.
• Financial support for this research came from King Saud University.
• The phase purity of the particles was confirmed by XRD and FTIR, and phase pure and dense particles were demonstrated to have high hardness (1389 HV) and fracture toughness (12.89 MPa m1/2).
• FESEM analysis revealed the formation of dense, well-separated, non-agglomerated, and spherical nanoparticles at 5 g of eggshell content.
• Eggshell worked as a surfactant and stabilizer for the formation of phase pure tetragonal spherical nanoparticles.
• Biodegradation study showed that the optimized tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) had minor changes in weight and hardness after 72 hours of immersion in phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
• Antioxidant study demonstrated 96% radical scavenging activity (RSA).
• In vitro bio-mineralization study showed the formation of new bone after 5 weeks, with SEM images confirming that eggshell-zirconia composite formed new bone.

Statistics:

• 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g of eggshell content were added to aqueous zirconium oxychloride sol to prepare five different samples.
• The particles demonstrated high hardness of 1389 HV and fracture toughness of 12.89 MPa m1/2.
• 96% of radical scavenging activity (RSA) was observed in the antioxidant study.
• 5 weeks were required for the formation of new bone in vitro bio-mineralization study.
• 72 hours were observed for minor changes in weight and hardness in biodegradation study.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Research Conducted at Government College Women University Has Updated Our Knowledge about Nanoparticles (Stabilization of Zirconia Nanoparticles By Collagen Protein and Calcium Carbonate Extracted From Eggshell and Its Biodegradation, Radical ...). Health & Medicine Week. October 6, 2023; p 4356.
• Stabilization of Zirconia Nanoparticles By Collagen Protein and Calcium Carbonate Extracted From Eggshell and Its Biodegradation, Radical Scavenging and Mineralization Activity. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2023;16(10).