Process for the preparation of magnesium and carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite

Abstract

A process for the preparation of a single phase magnesium- and carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite composition, which process comprises the steps of (i) preparing an aqueous solution containing CO32− and PO43− ions in the substantial absence of cations other than H+ ions; (ii) mixing the solution from step (i) with an aqueous calcium- and magnesium-containing solution or suspension; and (iii) collecting and drying the precipitate formed in step (ii); the ratio of (Ca+Mg/P) in the calcium- and magnesium-containing solution or suspension and the phosphorus-containing solution, when mixed together, being maintained at 1.67, or above. The product of the process is novel and comprises up to 0.5% magnesium and up to 1% of carbonate substituted into the hydroxyapatite structure and which does not contain Na+ or NH4+ ions, the ratio of (Ca+Mg/P) being greater than 1.67.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.