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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Rapid Mix Preparation of Bioinspired Nanoscale Hydroxyapatite for Biomedical Applications
Published on: February 23, 2017
Characterization and surface properties of amino-acid-modified carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite particles
Kevin S Jack1, Timothy G Vizcarra, Matt Trau
1Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, Level 5 East, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
Abstract:
The surface properties (nature, strength, and stability of interaction of functional groups) and bulk morphologies of a series of amino-acid-functionalized carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite (CHA) particles were investigated. It was found that the amino acids were both occluded in and presented on the surface of the CHA particles. Furthermore, their presence enhanced particle colloidal stability by retardation of Ostwald ripening and in some cases increasing the magnitude of the zeta-potential. Measurements of adsorption isotherms and zeta-potential titrations have shown that the amino-acid-surface interactions are weak and reversible at pH 9 and consistent with a model in which the carboxyl terminus interacts with calcium ions in the CHA lattice. Complexities in adsorption behavior are discussed in terms of different adsorption mechanisms that may be prevalent at different pHs.
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