Whitlockite nanoparticles: A multifaceted magnesium calcium phosphate ceramic

Abstract

Bioceramics are widely used in tissue engineering due to their tremendous potential in tissue regeneration and biomedical applications. Of all bioceramics, the “Whitlockite” is an ideal material with remarkable potential and distinctive properties. Over the past decade, Whitlockite (nWH), a magnesium-containing calcium phosphate, has gained intense attention in biomedical research. The synthesis of nWH was challenging due to its similarities with other Mg-containing Calcium phosphates. The synthesis of nWH requires attention to various parameters such as pH, temperature, precursor, and ageing time. It requires precise control over specific material properties such as size, crystal growth, Temperature, etc. These parameters help in enhancing its biological applications and result in pure nWH synthesis. Recently, various metal and lanthanide elements doped nWH were developed which enhances various additional properties such as antibacterial, hemostasis, anticancer therapy, tissue engineering, etc. nWH also play a vital role in tissue engineering due to its eccentric properties such as good stability, enhanced osteogenesis, neuro-angiogenesis, and many other potential properties making it a versatile bioceramic in this era. This review provides an overview of the identification and preparation of nWH and metal-doped nWH, along with their key characteristics, properties and applications in biomedical fields.