Syntheses and applications of mesoporous hydroxyapatite: a review

Abstract

Mesoporous hydroxyapatite (MHAP), featuring high porosity, high surface area, and three-dimensional ordered passageways, has diverse applications in several fields. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the synthesis strategies and practical applications of MHAP is of great significance and has drawn tremendous attention. In this review work, we have firstly summarized and compiled all the strategies for MHAP synthesis and mainly classified them into three categories according to the physical–chemical properties of templates used in the process: hard template method, soft template method, and template-free method. In addition, we have systematically compared the advantages and disadvantages of the three categories of methods and given our comments in detail. Then, we have briefly introduced the applications of MHAP, mainly from the following aspects: wastewater treatment, drug delivery, and bone tissue engineering. Primarily, we have emphasized the applications of MHAP-based drug delivery systems in disease therapy, including cancer treatment, anti-depression, bone regeneration, etc. Finally, we have put forward our views on the long-term perspective and development trends of MHAP in the future.