ABSTRACT
Nano- or microhydroxyapatites with microbiological properties are being used to detect pathogens in clinical samples and industrial environments. In this study, the calcium phosphates coral-hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate were characterized physicochemically using x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and differential thermal analysis. The morphology, texture, and chemical composition of the ceramics were also investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The biocompatibility of the ceramics was evaluated using Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Microorganisms were detected by incorporating the enzyme markers 4-metilumbelliferil-ß-d-glucoside and 4-metilumbelliferil-ß-d-glucuronide in the ceramic powders and evaluating fluorescence. The characterization of the ceramics revealed typical characteristics, such as crystallinity, thermal stability, and chemical composition, consistent with other calcium phosphates. The calcium phosphates coral-hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics differed from one another in morphology, structural topography, particle size distribution, and the capacity to absorb water. These properties can influence the rates of microbiological responses and bacterial detection. Although both materials are suitable for use as structural supports in microbial diagnostic systems, BCP was more efficient and detected E. coli and E. faecalis more rapidly than CHA.
