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Amorphous calcium phosphates: synthesis, properties and uses in biomaterials
1Université de Toulouse, CIRIMAT, UPS-INPT-CNRS, ENSIACET, 4 Allée Emile Monso, BP 44362, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France. christele.combes@ensiacet.fr
Acta Biomaterialia
|February 20, 2010
Summary
Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) are crucial for bone and dental applications. This review details their synthesis, properties, and use in bioactive bone substitutes, despite ongoing scientific debate.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Biomineralization
Background:
- Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) have been studied since the 1970s, with ongoing debate regarding their presence in vertebrate mineralized tissues.
- The unique properties of ACPs, particularly their reactivity, have driven research into their applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs).
- To discuss synthesis routes, characterization techniques, and physico-chemical properties of ACPs.
- To highlight the applications of ACPs in bioactive bone substitutes for orthopaedic and dental uses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs).
- Analysis of various synthesis methods and characterization techniques for ACPs.
- Examination of physico-chemical properties, focusing on reactivity in aqueous media.
Main Results:
- Multiple synthesis routes for ACPs with varying compositions are presented.
- Characterization techniques for identifying and analyzing ACPs are reviewed.
- The reactivity of ACPs in aqueous solutions is highlighted as key for biomaterial development.
Conclusions:
- Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) show significant potential for developing advanced bioactive bone substitutes.
- Applications in orthopaedic coatings, cements, and dental composites are feasible.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role and behavior of ACPs in biological systems.
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