hydroxyapatitu

Hydroxyapatite is a mineral form of calcium apatite with the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH)2. It is a member of the apatite group of minerals. Hydroxyapatite is the most abundant mineral form of calcium phosphate in the human body and plays a crucial role in bone and tooth structure.

The crystalline structure of hydroxyapatite is hexagonal. It is a white, insoluble solid at physiological pH. In biological systems, hydroxyapatite is the primary inorganic component of bone and teeth, providing them with their hardness and rigidity. The mineralized matrix of bone is composed of approximately 70% hydroxyapatite by weight, while tooth enamel is about 96% hydroxyapatite.

Beyond its structural role, hydroxyapatite has various applications in medicine and industry. In orthopedics, it is used as a bone graft substitute and as a coating for implants to improve osseointegration, the process by which artificial implants fuse with living bone tissue. Its biocompatibility and bioactivity make it an ideal material for these purposes.

In dentistry, hydroxyapatite is found in toothpaste formulations to help remineralize tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It can also be used in dental restorations and as a filler material. In chromatography, hydroxyapatite is employed as a stationary phase for the separation of proteins and other biomolecules due to its unique binding properties. Its ability to bind selectively to various substances makes it a valuable tool in biochemical research and purification processes.