Hydroxyapatite mineral (HA)

Hydroxyapatite mineral is a naturally occurring calcium phosphate compound with the formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, serving as the predominant inorganic component of bone and dental hard tissues. It provides essential structural rigidity to the skeleton and teeth, is highly biocompatible, and promotes integration of medical implants. Synthetic and natural forms of hydroxyapatite are widely used in biomedical applications (including orthopedic and dental implants, bone grafts, and toothpastes) due to their similarity to native bone mineral, capacity to support bone cell growth, and non-immunogenicity. In pathology, hydroxyapatite can also accumulate in soft tissues (calcifications), contribute to kidney stones, and be used as a scaffold for controlled drug delivery or remineralization treatments. It is not a typical drug target, but rather a mineralized tissue or biomaterial of clinical relevance.

Other names

HydroxylapatiteHApBone mineralBiological apatiteCalcium hydroxyapatite

Provides a biocompatible scaffold for bone and dental tissue regeneration (osteoconduction and osteoinduction); Direct mineralization: source of Ca^2+ and PO_4^3- ions for bone and tooth repair; Drug carrier (enables local delivery and controlled release of drugs in bone cements).