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Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials with Medical Applications
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Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials with Medical Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 3540

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Margareta Gabriela Ciobanu

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Guest Editor
Department of Organic, Biochemical and Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection “Cristofor Simionescu”, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Prof. dr. doc. D. Mangeron Street, no. 73, 700050 Iasi, Romania
Interests: biomaterials (hydroxyapatite, titanium and their alloys, etc.); coatings; scaffolds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that the global population is affected by various diseases, including those that affect hard tissues (bones and teeth), such as osteoporosis and other conditions. Our bones are primarily composed (about 70%) of calcium phosphates, which is also known as biological apatite. Therefore, calcium phosphates, obtained by various methods, are considered to be effective materials for repairing bone damaged by disease or trauma.

Firstly, phosphate biomaterials have a wide range of orthopedic and dental applications, from synthetic substitutes in bone grafts to thin-layer coatings on various types of bone implants. In recent years, these biomaterials have also proved to be useful in therapeutics and targeted therapy in the form of carriers with controlled release. In practical terms, the applications of phosphate biomaterials are diverse and extremely important, namely in the delivery of genes, proteins, and small molecules for diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and more. Thus, phosphate materials present a significant challenge to researchers, offering the potential for more advanced applications in medicine compared to other delivery systems.

Therefore, this Special Issue aims to bring together specialists in the field and present the results of their research on calcium phosphate-based materials, with reference to their preparation methods, characteristics, and medical applications, with emphasis on their recent development, functionalization, and use in bone therapeutics and systemic delivery administration.

Prof. Dr. Gabriela Ciobanu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • calcium phosphates
  • hydroxyapatite
  • coatings
  • scaffolds
  • composites
  • biomineralization
  • delivery systems

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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20 pages, 5096 KB  
Article
Aged Biogenic Carbonates from Crustacean Waste: Structural and Functional Evaluation of Calibrated Fine Powders and Their Conversion into Phosphate Minerals
by Ilirjana Bajama, Karlo Maškarić, Geza Lazar, Tudor Tamaş, Codruţ Costinaş, Lucian Barbu-Tudoran and Simona Cîntă Pinzaru
Materials 2025, 18(22), 5119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225119 - 11 Nov 2025
Viewed by 340
Abstract
Seafood-derived carbonate waste, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3), has attracted growing interest for sustainable reuse, yet the unique potential of aged biogenic sources remains underexplored. Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) shells are particularly distinctive: they consist of Mg-calcite with an intrinsic [...] Read more.
Seafood-derived carbonate waste, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3), has attracted growing interest for sustainable reuse, yet the unique potential of aged biogenic sources remains underexplored. Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) shells are particularly distinctive: they consist of Mg-calcite with an intrinsic 3D-porous structure and naturally embedded astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant not found in other calcite- or aragonite-based residues. While organic degradation over time is often assumed to compromise functionality, this study demonstrates that five-years-aged crustacean shell waste retains both its crystallinity and bioactive carotenoids after calibrated ball milling. Across four powder batches produced under distinct milling conditions by varying frequencies and durations, dynamic light scattering confirmed only subtle particle size variation, while Raman spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM-EDX confirmed structural and chemical integrity and highlighted the subtle amorphization induced by slightly different milling parameters, which, in turn, driven to slightly different conversion efficiency into phosphate mineral. Strikingly, all powders underwent rapid transformation into dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (brushite) enriched with carotenoids upon reaction with phosphoric acid. This work reveals, for the first time, that years-aged biogenic Mg-calcite waste not only preserves its naturally embedded carotenoids but also offers a direct route to functional phosphate composites, establishing its untapped value in environmental and biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials with Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 6308 KB  
Article
Macroporous Hydroxyapatite-Based Bone Scaffolds Loaded with CAPE Derivatives: A Strategy to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Biofilm Formation
by Paulina Kazimierczak, Marwa Balaha, Krzysztof Palka, Joanna Wessely-Szponder, Michal Wojcik, Viviana di Giacomo, Barbara De Filippis and Agata Przekora
Materials 2025, 18(22), 5074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225074 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 584
Abstract
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a polyphenol from propolis, is well recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and osteogenic properties. This study aimed to develop macroporous bone scaffolds composed of a chitosan/agarose matrix reinforced with nanohydroxyapatite and enriched with stable CAPE derivatives to [...] Read more.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a polyphenol from propolis, is well recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and osteogenic properties. This study aimed to develop macroporous bone scaffolds composed of a chitosan/agarose matrix reinforced with nanohydroxyapatite and enriched with stable CAPE derivatives to enhance their biomedical potential for applications in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. A comprehensive evaluation of microstructural and biological properties of the produced scaffolds was conducted. The fabricated scaffolds exhibited high porosity (49–60%) with interconnected pores and compressive strength (1.2–1.8 MPa), closely resembling cancellous bone and indicating suitability for bone regeneration. They were biocompatible, promoted osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, and supported apatite deposition on their surfaces, demonstrating strong bioactivity and potential for implant osseointegration. Importantly, the scaffolds did not trigger excessive production of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, suggesting a low risk of inflammatory responses. Additionally, CAPE-enriched scaffolds inhibited biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, reducing the risk of implant-associated infections. In summary, these CAPE-modified scaffolds integrate optimal microstructural and biological features, such as reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting biofilm formation, and thus offer a promising strategy for enhancing bone repair and regeneration in clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials with Medical Applications)
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26 pages, 3027 KB  
Article
Production of Food-Grade Monocalcium Phosphate from Meat-Bone Meal
by Zygmunt Kowalski, Agnieszka Wilkosz-Język and Agnieszka Makara
Materials 2025, 18(20), 4653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204653 - 10 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1145
Abstract
The study presents a developed process for producing monocalcium phosphate from hydroxyapatite ash, a by-product of meat-bone meal incineration. The process integrates technological and environmental synergies, enabling efficient recycling of both materials and energy. Waste hydroxyapatite ash, obtained as an intermediate by-product of [...] Read more.
The study presents a developed process for producing monocalcium phosphate from hydroxyapatite ash, a by-product of meat-bone meal incineration. The process integrates technological and environmental synergies, enabling efficient recycling of both materials and energy. Waste hydroxyapatite ash, obtained as an intermediate by-product of the meat-bone meal process, is converted into high-quality monocalcium phosphate. Furthermore, waste heat from incineration is recovered, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. Preliminary economic analysis indicates that the process is highly profitable, with an annual production capacity of 21,700 tons at a cost of $924 per ton, compared to a market price of $1400 per ton. The total production cost is estimated at $20,058,947, while total sales are projected to reach $30,380,000, yielding a profit of $10,321,053 (34% profit margin). The proposed method is consistent with the principles of the Circular Economy and Cleaner Production, promoting sustainability by reducing waste, lowering resource consumption, and enhancing energy efficiency. The developed technology is both environmentally friendly and economically viable, offering a promising pathway for efficient monocalcium phosphate production and a blueprint for industrial-scale implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials with Medical Applications)
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27 pages, 1365 KB  
Systematic Review
Enhancing Osseointegration of Zirconia Implants Using Calcium Phosphate Coatings: A Systematic Review
by Jacek Matys, Ryszard Rygus, Julia Kensy, Krystyna Okoniewska, Wojciech Zakrzewski, Agnieszka Kotela, Natalia Struzik, Hanna Gerber, Magdalena Fast and Maciej Dobrzyński
Materials 2025, 18(19), 4501; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194501 - 27 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Objective: Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), a variant of zirconia (ZrO2), has attracted interest as a substitute for titanium in dental and orthopedic implants, valued for its biocompatibility and aesthetics that resemble natural teeth. However, its bioinert surface limits osseointegration, making [...] Read more.
Objective: Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP), a variant of zirconia (ZrO2), has attracted interest as a substitute for titanium in dental and orthopedic implants, valued for its biocompatibility and aesthetics that resemble natural teeth. However, its bioinert surface limits osseointegration, making surface modifications such as calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings highly relevant. Materials and methods: The review process adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library (July 2025) identified studies evaluating CaP-coated zirconia implants. Eligible studies included in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical investigations with a control group. Data on coating type, deposition method, and biological outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 27 studies were analyzed, featuring different calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings including β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA), octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and various composites. These coatings were applied using diverse techniques such as RF magnetron sputtering, sol–gel processing, biomimetic methods, and laser-based approaches. In multiple investigations, calcium phosphate coatings enhanced osteoblast attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) relative to unmodified zirconia surfaces. Multifunctional coatings incorporating growth factors, antibiotics, or nanoparticles showed additional benefits. Conclusion: CaP coatings enhance the bioactivity of zirconia implants and represent a promising strategy to overcome their inertness. Further standardized approaches and long-term studies are essential to verify their translational relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Calcium Phosphate Biomaterials with Medical Applications)
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