Characterization of macroporous carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite bodies prepared in different phosphate solutions

Bone mineral of human is different in composition from the stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) in that it contains additional ions, of which CO₃²⁻ is the most abundant species. Carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite (CHA) bodies were prepared by the hydrothermal treatment of highly porous calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) body at 120 °C in 1 M M₂HPO₄ and M₃PO₄ solutions (M = NH₄ or K). It was found that CaCO₃ body was almost transformed into CHA body after hydrothermal treatment for 24 h irrespective of type of phosphate solution. However, a small amount of CaCO₃ still remained after the treatment in K₃PO₄ for 48 h. Crystal shape of CHA bodies prepared in those solutions except for K₂HPO₄ was flake-like, which was different from that (stick-like) of original CaCO₃ body used for the preparation of CHA body. CHA prepared in the K₂HPO₄ showed globule-like crystal. Average pore size and hole size of the CHA bodies were 150, 70 μm and their porosities were about 89% irrespective of the solution. Carbonate content was slightly higher in the CHA bodies obtained from potassium phosphate solutions than in those obtained from ammonium phosphate solutions. Mostly B-type CHA was obtained after the hydrothermal treatment in the potassium phosphate solutions. On the other hand, mixed A- and B-type CHA (ca. 1–2 in molar ratio) was obtained in the ammonium phosphate solutions. The content of CO₃²⁻ in the CHA body depended on the type of phosphate solution and was slightly larger in the potassium phosphate solutions.