Hydroxyapatite from Mollusk Shells: Characteristics, Production, and Potential Applications in Dentistry.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Regenerative Medicine
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Synthetic dental biomaterials present limitations including immunological, toxicological, aesthetic, and durability concerns.
• Mollusk shells possess inherent advantages for biomaterial applications, such as high mechanical strength, toughness, and a unique hierarchical, microporous structure.
• Hydroxyapatite, a critical calcium-based material for bone healing, is the focus for developing natural alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite as a sustainable biomaterial for dental applications.
• To explore the synthesis methods, properties, and biological performance of mollusk-derived hydroxyapatite.
• To assess its relevance for regenerative dentistry, including bone graft substitutes and dental implant coatings.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on mollusk shell processing and hydroxyapatite characterization.
• Analysis of thermal treatment, wet chemical precipitation, and hydrothermal synthesis for hydroxyapatite recovery.
• Evaluation of experimental and clinical data on the bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity of mollusk-derived hydroxyapatite.

Main Results:

• Mollusk-derived hydroxyapatite is widely available, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
• Synthesis methods like thermal treatment and hydrothermal synthesis yield highly crystalline and pure hydroxyapatite.
• Nanocrystalline forms of mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite exhibit significant bioactivity, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity without adverse immune responses.

Conclusions:

• Mollusk shell-derived hydroxyapatite is a promising natural biomaterial for dental applications, particularly as bone graft substitutes and dental implant coatings.
• Its inherent properties align with the growing demand for sustainable and biocompatible materials in dentistry.
• Further research and clinical validation are essential to optimize synthesis and fully realize its potential in regenerative dentistry.