Mesoporous Whitlockite: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro biocompatibility for bone tissue engineering
J S Sharukh1, Sinduja Palati2, Saravanan Sekaran3
1Department of Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India.
Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research
|September 22, 2025
Summary
This study created mesoporous Whitlockite (Meso-Wh) for bone repair. Acid treatment enhanced its surface area and porosity, showing good cell compatibility for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Whitlockite (WH) is a magnesium-calcium phosphate mineral found in bone and teeth.
- Its osteogenic properties and mechanical stability make it promising for bone repair.
- Mesoporosity is expected to enhance biological activity through increased surface area for protein adsorption and cell growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare mesoporous Whitlockite (Meso-Wh) using controlled acid treatment.
- To characterize the structural and surface properties of Meso-Wh.
- To evaluate the in vitro cytocompatibility of Meso-Wh for bone tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Whitlockite synthesis via precipitation-hydrothermal method.
- Mesoporosity induction using hydrochloric acid treatment (pH 4).
- Characterization by SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, BET, BJH analysis, and MTT assay for cytocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Meso-Wh particles exhibited smaller size and increased roughness compared to untreated Whitlockite.
- BET analysis revealed a surface area of 63.07 m²/g with mesopores (2-5 nm).
- MTT assay demonstrated good cytocompatibility with high cell viability.
Conclusions:
- Controlled acid treatment successfully produced mesoporous Whitlockite.
- Meso-Wh possesses enhanced surface area and porosity without chemical alteration.
- The material is suitable for further development in bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
Related Concept Videos
01:55Bone Structure
Within the skeletal system, the structure of a bone, or osseous tissue, can be exemplified in a long bone, like the femur, where there are two types of osseous tissue: cortical and cancellous.
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:18The Bone Matrix
Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in acid or...
01:30Types of Building Stone
Building stones, essential materials for construction, are extracted from natural rock deposits and processed into specific forms and dimensions suitable for various building applications. These stones are broadly classified into three types based on their geological formation: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava. An example is granite, known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for parts of...
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava. An example is granite, known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for parts of...