Synthesis of high surface area mesostructured calcium phosphate particles

High surface area mesostructured calcium phosphate (MCP) particles were synthesized using surfactants (F127 and P123) and the textural properties were optimized in this study. The synthesized MCP samples subsequently underwent surfactant washing for surfactant removal, which achieved surface areas of > 200 m(2) g(-1). It was found that both F127 and P123 gave similar surface areas (S(BET)), but differing pore diameters (D(pore)). Other synthesis parameters, such as synthesis temperature, surfactant concentration and pH, were also studied to further optimize the textural properties of MCP. It was found that the highest surface area MCP was synthesized at 25 degrees C and pH 12, with 80 wt.% surfactant concentration. Further, in vitro loading and delivery tests on optimized MCP showed an enhanced loading efficiency of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme as compared with non-mesostructured calcium phosphate.