Microscopic investigations of Synthetic Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite

A biomimetic approach aims at inducing synthetic materials to transfer information and consequently to act selectively in the biological environment. Synthetic biomaterials can be turned biomimetic by imprinting them with the morphology of biogenic materials. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite represents an elective material, because it is very similar for composition to the mineral component of bone and moreover its chemical – physical properties and surface reactivity can be managed by modifying synthetic parameters. The morphology of synthetic biomimetic hydroxyapatite is essential to optimise its interaction with biological tissues and also to mimic biogenic materials in their functionalities. In fact, microscopic characterizations have been successfully utilised to define both the morphology of synthetic apatite biomaterials and the surface nano-structure, making it possible to explain their surface reactivity in the biological environmental. Transmission and scanning electromicroscopy investigations are the principal tools to explain the functionality of biomimetic synthetic apatite materials like porous scaffolds, acicular and plate-like nanocrystals and nanostructured surface coatings. These biomimetic hydroxyapatite biomaterials offer promising biomedical applications in orthopaedic, odonthoiatric and maxillofacial surgery, able to act as bone fillers, coatings of metallic prostheses and controlled deliverers of biologically active molecules both in space and time.