METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF CARBONATED HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITIONS

摘要

A process for the preparation of a single phase carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite composition, which process comprises the steps of (i) preparing an aqueous solution containing CO3<2-> and PO4<3-> ions in the substantial absence of cations other than H<+> ions: (ii) mixing the solution from step (i) with an aqueous solution or suspension of a calcium compound; and (iii) collecting and drying the precipitate formed in step (ii); the ratio of Ca/P in the calcium-containing solution or suspension and the phosphorus-containing solution, when mixed together, being maintained above 1.67. The product of the process is novel with a Ca/P molar ratio of greater than 1.67 and comprises up to 5 % by weight of CO3<2-> ions substituted in the B site or the B and A sites of the hydroxyapatite structure, with at least 50 % of the CO3<2-> ions being substituted on the B site. This product does not contain Na<+> or NH4<+> ions.