Recent advances in the synthesis, functionalization and biomedical applications of hydroxyapatite: a review

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a member of the Ca apatite family. It resembles natural bone in both structure and chemical composition. HA, owing to its bioactive and biocompatible properties, has been commonly used as an implant material in bone tissue regeneration (osteogenesis), and as a drug carrier in drug and gene delivery systems. With the advances in research on the use of HA, an increasing number of researchers are exploring new synthesis processes, characterization and functionalization techniques for HA and its potential role in various fields such as magnetic resonance, controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs, cell separation, bio imaging and treatment of hyperthermia. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the composition of HA, the advances in its synthesis processes, characterization and functionalization techniques, and its importance in the biomedical field in general, and in emerging areas such as implants, drug delivery, composites, coatings, and ceramic materials in particular. The idea behind writing this review was to collect and summarize the most recent studies involving HA, so that researchers can easily find HA-related information compiled in a single document. In addition, we have also discussed the future prospects of HA. We believe that readers will not only conveniently obtain the desired information from this review, but will also get to the core of the information more easily.