Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate, the main crystal of bones and teeth. On one hand, it gives them their characteristic hardness and on the other hand, it gives them a certain elasticity, thanks to its combination with collagen. It is also a biocompatible material, which is why it is of great importance for mineralized tissues.
Mineralized tissues, that is, the enamel and dentin of the teeth and bones that make up the human skeleton, offer a wide variety of bone shapes, sizes, and hardness.
In addition, they are not static, but change throughout life. They are named for the presence of phosphorus, magnesium and, above all, calcium. And also hydroxyapatite.
Hydroxyapatite works in collaboration with collagen
Hydroxyapatite is a natural biocrystal made up of calcium, phosphorous and hydrogen and contains small percentages of sodium, chlorine, carbonates and magnesium.
This combination plays a preponderant role in the remodeling function of the bone. Added to this is the fact that hydroxyapatite always works in collaboration with collagen, the structural protein of the organic bone matrix par excellence.
As we have pointed out, mineralized tissues change throughout life. Bones and teeth not only have a mechanical function, but there is also a continuous remodeling activity.
In the stages of growth is where this activity is higher, but later that remodeling function is carried out to maintain the shape and function of bones and teeth.
Hence, hydroxyapatite has a wide biomedical application in dentistry, orthopedics and maxillofacial surgery.
It is used as a coating material for prostheses or implants, as a filling substance or for fixing prostheses or implants.
The role of hydroxyapatite in prosthetics and implants
Hydroxylapatite (whether synthetic or natural) has good properties as a biomaterial for prostheses or implants thanks to its biocompatibility, bioactivity, osteoconductivity (it can provide the framework that facilitates the penetration of the new bone into the implant) and direct bonding to the bone.
What role does this biomaterial play in prostheses? Hydroxyapatite coatings on joint prostheses serve to speed up the process of bone formation. How?
Having practically the same ratio of calcium and phosphorus as human bone, these coatings accelerate, through conventional cell signaling processes, the adsorption of proteins from the extracellular matrix, to later carry out the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts around the material .
In addition, hydroxyapatite coatings on prostheses improve the behavior of the metal within living tissue, preventing or reducing the release of ions into the environment and reducing the danger of corrosion.
Of course, these coatings must have a good fixation to the metal to avoid these problems and that the fixation of the prosthesis to the bone results in total integration. Hence, it is necessary to have specialists in prosthesis coatings and implants such as Biovac.
Our qualified professionals perform porous microspheres or irregular particles and plasma coatings of hydroxyapatite, titanium or both, which favor osseointegration and offer good mechanical stability in the prosthesis fixation process.
Always knowing what is required at each moment of the process and always adapting to the needs of the client and the coating characteristics of each implant.
In addition, at Biovac we have the best technologies to measure, analyze, test and guarantee the quality of our coating process
Do you need more info?
Contact Biovac and ask us any questions you may have. We will be pleased to help you.
