Anisotropic calcium phosphate nanoparticles coated with 2-carboxyethylphosphonic acid

Abstract

The principles of nanoparticle synthesis established for semiconductors were used for preparation of anisotropic calcium phosphate dispersions, which could be essential for a number of bone-related biomedical applications. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CP NPs) with relatively high monodispersity were synthesized from aqueous calcium nitrate and phosphoric acid in the presence of 2-carboxyethylphosphonic acid (CEPA). They form stable colloidal solutions displaying minimal agglomeration. CP NPs are produced in a discoid shape with a diameter of 30–80 nm and a height of less than 5 nm. The predominant phase of the particles is brushite with some amount of apatite and amorphous calcium phosphate. Both structural and colloidal properties of the prepared nanocrystalline form of calcium phosphate make the particles suitable for further exploration for bone regeneration.