Biomimetic apatite through a self-assembly process

We present a biomimetic processing approach of apatite ceramic through self-assembling of nanometer-sized aggregates at room temperature. Two solutions, 0.6M calcium solution and 0.4M phosphate solution, were mixed at the presence of 0.01M magnesium and 0.6M carbonate with strong stirring. The resulting gel was kept drying in air at room temperature for two weeks. The consolidation of the block ceramic was observed to proceed through a self-assembly process of nano particles into micro plates. Besides providing a candidate for bone replacement application, this prototype is the basis for manufacturing biomimetic composites through integrating proteins or synthetic polymers, as well as a model system for biomineralization study.