Abstract
Magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp-Mg) nanofibers show promise for medical applications due to their structural similarity to bone minerals and enhanced biological properties, such as improved biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. This study synthesized HAp-Mg nanofibers using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method (MAHM) to evaluate their cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy compared to commercial hydroxyapatite (HAp). Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful incorporation of magnesium, producing high-purity, crystalline nanofibers with hexagonal morphology. Rietveld refinement showed slight lattice parameter shortening, indicating Mg2+ ion integration. Cell viability assays (MTT and AlamarBlue) revealed a significant increase in fibroblast proliferation with 2% and 5% HAp-Mg concentrations compared to controls (p < 0.05), demonstrating non-cytotoxicity and enhanced biocompatibility. Antimicrobial tests (disk diffusion method, 100 µg/mL) showed that HAp-Mg had strong antibacterial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans. In contrast, commercial HAp showed no antimicrobial effects. These results suggest HAp-Mg nanofibers have significant advantages as biomaterials for medical applications, particularly in preventing implant-related infections and supporting further clinical development.