Microwave assisted green synthesis of W/Ag co-doped hydroxyapatite nanorods by using licorice root as a bio-template for dental applications.

An environmentally benign route was employed to synthesize tungsten-silver (W/Ag) co-doped hydroxyapatite (Hap) nanorods using Glycyrrhiza glabra extract as a natural bio-template. Microwave-assisted processing yielded highly crystalline nanorods with hexagonal lattice structure and average dimensions of 50-60 nm in length and 17 nm in diameter. XRD confirmed enhanced crystallinity with crystallite sizes up to 40 nm, while FTIR spectra revealed hydroxyl, phosphate, carbonate, and O-W-O groups, validating successful co-doping. FESEM/TEM analyses demonstrated uniform rod-like morphology, and XPS confirmed effective incorporation of Ca, P, O, Ag, and W with mixed oxidation states. Mechanical testing showed a significant increase in hardness for microwave-synthesized W/Ag Hap (717.8 ± 23.9 HV) compared to Ag-doped (236.7 ± 1.9 HV) and co-precipitated W/Ag HAp (437.2 ± 40.1 HV). Antibacterial assays against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus revealed pronounced inhibition zones and reduced bacterial viability, confirming strong antimicrobial activity. Overall, W/Ag co-doping synergistically enhanced both mechanical strength and antibacterial performance, addressing key limitations of pristine Hap. This green synthesis strategy provides a sustainable pathway to multifunctional bioceramics with promising potential for dental implant and bone regeneration applications.