Biomimetic apatite-based biomaterials: on the critical impact of synthesis and post-synthesis parameters

Nanocrystalline apatites are major constituents of hard tissues, and attempts are made worldwide to prepare synthetic analogs. However the impact of synthesis/postsynthesis parameters is often disregarded. Based on an updated knowledge on such compounds, we inspected the effects of synthesis parameters (maturation time, temperature, pH, nature of counter-ions) and post-treatments (re-immersion in aqueous media, thermal treatment) on physicochemical characteristics. Great modifications were noticed during the 3 first days of maturation, where a progressive evolution of the apatite phase (localized in the core of the nanocrystals) toward stoichiometry was observed at the expense of the non-apatitic surface layer which progressively disappears. Similar trends were also evidenced for maturation run under increasing temperatures, studied here in the range 20-100 degrees C. pH impacted more specifically the chemical composition. The nature of the counter-ion in the starting phosphate salt influenced composition and nonstoichiometry, depending on its (in)ability to be incorporated in the lattice. Freeze-drying allowed to preserve a high surface reactivity, although further evolutions were noticed after re-immersion. Effects of a thermal treatment of dried samples were unveiled, suggesting a denaturation of the hydrated layer on the nanocrystals. This work underlines the necessity of a good control of synthesis/postsynthesis parameters for the production of biomimetic apatites.