Applications - Research

Applications of Calcium Phosphates in Research

Hydroxyapatite has been a key focus of biomaterials research for over 60 years. Its applications range from early studies on bone grafts and coatings in the 1950s to modern advanced techniques, such as 3D-printed scaffold design, surface modification, and DNA delivery to regulate cell interactions and treat bone-related conditions.

The breadth of hydroxyapatite research is remarkable. Techniques developed for restoring bone mineral loss in astronauts could also benefit those with osteoporosis. Environmental remediation using hydroxyapatite to immobilise toxic ions could help restore polluted land. Chromatographic protein separation may aid in isolating harmful antigens, while nanomedicine and bioimaging applications could support future medical breakthroughs.

Since its inception, Plasma Biotal has worked closely with researchers, supporting over 1,300 studies.* We provide bespoke solutions by carefully controlling particle size, morphology, density, and phase composition. These characteristics influence degradation rate, cell attachment, and osteogenic potential, making our materials adaptable to diverse research needs.

*Figure derived from Google Scholar results.

CAPTAL Products for Research

Our CAPTAL® products have been widely applied in various research fields. Below are some key examples:

CAPTAL® ‘R’: A highly crystalline, unsintered submicron powder, used in selective laser sintering to create complex 3D scaffolds via additive manufacturing. It is also incorporated into biocomposites, enhancing the bioactivity and mechanical strength of polymers such as polycaprolactone.
CAPTAL® ‘S’: A fully crystalline, micron-scale powder, used in additive manufacturing for construct formation. It is also employed as an in vitro model to study bone and enamel mineral content.
CAPTAL® ‘HT’: Densified microspheres of sintered, crystalline hydroxyapatite, designed for maximum flowability. These particles are used in microfluidics, targeted drug delivery, and chromatography for biomolecule separation (e.g., proteins and DNA), due to their precise morphology and surface binding sites.
CAPTAL® ‘Spray Grade’: Optimised for coating applications, supporting research in coating technologies. It also serves as a processable bulk filler for bone substitutes, acting as a foundation material for further modifications in bone defect filler studies.
CAPTAL® ACP ‘1.67’ & ‘1.5’: Amorphous, highly soluble calcium phosphate powders, used in stem cell research to influence differentiation by mimicking the osteogenic niche. These materials can also be sintered into crystalline hydroxyapatite or beta-tricalcium phosphate, providing versatile manufacturing pathways for bioceramics and composites.
CAPTAL® β-TCP: Beta-tricalcium phosphate, a resorbable material that degrades in vivo via cell-mediated interactions. It is used in regenerative devices, such as biodegradable implant screws, enhancing the bioactivity of biocomposites and supporting osteoinduction. Additionally, it is employed in cell culture studies to investigate cell differentiation and osteoclast metabolic activity based on its controlled degradation rate.

At Plasma Biotal, we are committed to supplying high-quality, well-characterised materials to support cutting-edge research. We look forward to seeing future innovations emerge from these diverse and exciting projects.