tricalciumfosfaatti

Tricalciumfosfaatti, also known as calcium phosphate tribasic, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is a salt of calcium and phosphoric acid. In its pure form, tricalciumfosfaatti is a white, odorless powder. It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids. This compound occurs naturally in various mineral forms, such as the mineral whitlockite.

Tricalciumfosfaatti plays a significant role in biological systems. It is a major component of bone and teeth, where it exists in a crystalline form known as hydroxyapatite, which is a calcium phosphate mineral. This mineral provides structural integrity and strength to these tissues. In human nutrition, calcium and phosphate are essential minerals that contribute to bone health and various metabolic processes.

Beyond its biological relevance, tricalciumfosfaatti has numerous industrial and commercial applications. It is widely used as a food additive, identified by the E number E341(iii). In the food industry, it serves multiple functions, including as an anti-caking agent, a firming agent, and a nutrient supplement. For instance, it prevents powdered foods from clumping and is added to processed cheese to improve texture. It is also used in toothpaste formulations as a polishing agent and a source of calcium and phosphate to aid in remineralization. Furthermore, tricalciumfosfaatti finds use in manufacturing fertilizers, as a component in ceramics, and as a biomaterial in bone grafting procedures due to its biocompatibility.