Potassium tantalum niobate: Structural insights and biocompatibility for biomedical applications

Abstract This study explores the biomedical applications of electrically active potassium tantalum niobate (KTN) ceramics (KTa 1 − x Nb x O 3 ; where x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7), focusing on their dielectric and biological properties for bioelectrets and electroactive scaffolds. Varying Nb concentrations induced a structural shift from cubic to orthorhombic phases, with increased Nb inhibiting grain growth and maintaining stoichiometry. Dielectric analysis across temperatures and frequencies revealed two phase transitions (orthorhombic to tetragonal at 433–453 K and tetragonal to cubic at 653–703 K). Nyquist plots indicated reduced bulk resistance with increasing temperature. The AC conductivity (10 −4 S/cm) suggests potential enhancement in bone regeneration scaffolds. Bioactivity assessments showed negative surface charges promoting dense apatite layer formation, while cytocompatibility studies demonstrated robust cell proliferation (>100% by Day 3 for PSVK‐1 and Wi‐38 cell lines). This comprehensive investigation underscores KTN ceramics' promise for biomedical applications in enhancing electrical properties and fostering favorable biological interactions.