Biopolymer-coated hydroxyapatite foams: a new antidote for heavy metal intoxication

Novel 3D-macroporous biopolymer-coated hydroxyapatite foams are potential devices for the treatment of heavy-metal intoxication by ingestion. These foams are designed to exhibit a fast and efficient metal ion immobilization into the HA structure in acidic media. The capture process of metal ions is stable, not releasing any metal ion when the foams are soaked in clean basic media afterwards. These two steps mimic a digestion process.