Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles prepared by a high-gravity precipitation method

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAP) were successfully synthesized using a high-gravity precipitation method. Crystal structure and morphology of the nHAP were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Chemical nature of the nHAP was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The characterization results demonstrated formation of nHAP with diameters of 1.9–14.2 nm and lengths of 4.0–36.9 nm and carbonated apatite structures, which were comparable to that of natural bone apatite. Further, biocompatibility of the nHAP was determined by MTT assays on MCF-7 cells. Moreover, potential applications of the nHAP in preparing Calcium Phosphate Cements (CPC) and Gelatin/HAP composite hydrogels were explored. The high-gravity precipitation method provides a new approach in fabrication of nHAP and opens possibilities to realizing great potential of nHAP in various biomedical applications.