Effect Of Microgravity On Biomimetic Synthesis Of Self Assembled Hydroxyapatite Nanostructures: A Novel Engineering Realization Of A Scientific Concept On Board SRE-1
- Paper number
IAC-07-A2.3.02
- Author
Dr. Arvind Sinha, National Matellurgical Laboratory, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ISAC, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Asit Pramanick, India
- Coauthor
Mr. NC Bhat, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ISAC, India
- Coauthor
Mr. N Vishwanath, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ISAC, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Samar Das, India
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Biomimetics, a paradigm shift in nano materials research, is known to operate at the interface of physical-life and engineering sciences. A manifestation of organic-inorganic interfacial interactions, biomimetics leads to designed and controlled synthesis of nano particles coupled with construction of higher structures. We have explored this novel research area by exploiting preorganized supramolecular structures of proteins and synthetic polymers as nano reactors for the synthesis of different types of nano materials including biomaterials for tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite, a bone mineral, is one of such systems being researched by us and has tremendous potential in tissue engineering application in different self-assembled nano composite forms. However, it has been realized that supramolecular organization, the most significant phenomenon in biomimetics and a function of secondary chemical bonds, has been gravely effected by gravitational force. Phenomena associated with gravitational force like sedimentation, convection, density induced separation etc. does not allow a long range perfect supramolecular organization and hence limit the sophistication achieved in the morphological order of synthesized nanoparticles and their structures. Therefore, it inhibits the functionality of nanostructures. Space-capsule recovery (SRE-1) mission of ISRO has provided us an opportunity to study the biomimetic synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles under micro gravity environment. To realize our objectives, a biomimetic payload reactor with Pyro cutter actuation mechanism has been conceived-designed and fabricated. The reactants are separated in two chambers to ensure separation prior to achievement of pre-conditions for the experiment. The Pyro cutter actuation mechanism is used to actuate reaction when the microgravity environment on-board is achieved. The payload actuation onboard is telemetered to ground. The payload reaction has been completed on-board SRE during its stay in orbit and the reaction samples are collected after recovery of SRE. Electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction experiment has ensured the formation of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals in space exhibiting a high order of self-assembly and orientation akin to epitaxial growth. Paper will analyze the results in detail and a possible growth mechanism in micro gravity will be proposed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-A2.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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