Characterization of hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite by photo acoustic FTIR spectroscopy.

An understanding of the interfacial relationship between a bioceramic implant and the adjacent bone tissue is facilitated by precise characterization of the associated structures. The structure of different commercial synthetic hydroxyapatite powders and a novel carbonated apatite have been studied with photo-acoustic (PAS) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The PAS technique is an ideal method for analysing biomaterials, as materials can be analysed without the need to reduce the particle size or to dilute with KBr. Spectra from carbonated apatite appear to be different from those of commercial hydroxyapatite powders, with the main difference lying in the carbonate and phosphate ratio. Commercial hydroxyapatite powders from different sources have also been analysed and compared.