Hydroxyapatite

Other names: Hydroxylapatite, calcium apatite, calcium hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite is a calcium mineral that is a major component of bones and teeth in most vertebrates. It is a crystalline material that occurs naturally as the mineral apatite. Other names for this mineral are calcium apatite, hydroxylapatite or calcium hydroxyapatite. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same material, which is chemically composed of calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl groups.

Hydroxyapatite is widely used in a variety of products, mostly medical or cosmetic. This is due to its biocompatibility and ability to facilitate the growth and repair of bone tissue and teeth. In medicine, it is used as a material for dental implants and for bone replacements such as endoprostheses. It is also a component of toothpastes used to remineralise tooth enamel and prevent decay. It is also used in biology as a substrate for cell cultivation or in bioengineering to create artificial tissues. Its biocompatibility and biodegradability make it a great material for the future, which could contribute to the development of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.