Composite materials based on okra hydrocolloids and hydroxyapatite

Novel composite materials comprising of okra hydrocolloids and hydroxyapatite of potential interest for the field of bone engineering have been prepared using various ratios of the above substances. The resulting materials were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The topological distribution between organic and inorganic components has been studied using scanning electron spectroscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and micro-FTIR. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination suggests microporous samples, while emulsion templating shows potential of further increasing the porosity of the samples containing lower ratios of okra extract to hydroxyapatite. The above pinpoint to the potential of okra hydrocolloids to form a putative basis for the development of prosthetics and scaffolds for bone and cartilage engineering.