In vitro bioactivity evaluation of magnesium-substituted fluorapatite nanopowders

Properties of apatites, such as bioactivity, biocompatibility, solubility, and adsorption properties can be tailored over a wide range by modifying the composition via ionic substitutions. The aim of this work was preparation, characterization and in vitro bioactivity evaluation of Mg-doped fluorapatite (Mg–FA) nanopowders. Mg–FA nanopowders with different Mg contents were prepared via sol–gel method. In vitro bioactivity evaluation of powders was performed by soaking the powders in simulated body fluid (SBF). Results indicated that Mg ions entered into the fluorapatite lattice and occupied Ca2+ sites, and the obtained powders had crystallite size about 30–100 nm. With increasing the Mg-substitution, the solubility of powders and the adsorption of Ca2+ ions onto the powders surfaces increased simultaneously. It was concluded that Mg-substitution improves the bioactivity of FA.