Facile synthesis of lithium carbonate nanoparticles with potential properties for bone repair applications

Lithium carbonate nanoparticles were synthesized by facile chemical route in the presence of organic capping agents. Nanosized Li2CO3 particles of ∼86 nm in size were produced from LiOH solution and preferably using PVA as a capping agent. FTIR-ATR analysis revealed that Li2CO3 phase is formed during calcination of the freeze-dried synthesis product. In vitro tests shown that nanoparticle concentrations up to 600 µg/mL do not disturb cell viability and promote the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells by Li+ ions (9.7 mM) leached from the nanoparticle. The biological properties exhibited by the Li2CO3 nanoparticles make of them attractive for bone repair applications.