Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay
Also known as: Carbonate Apatite (CO3Ap), Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay (NCAC), Carbonate Hydroxyapatite (CHA) nanoparticles, Nanoclays, Nano Carbonate Apatite, Carbonate Apatite
Overview
Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay (NCAC) is a biomaterial supplement primarily utilized in bone tissue engineering, dental applications, and as a potential drug delivery scaffold. Carbonate apatite is a naturally occurring mineral similar to the mineral component of human bone and teeth, characterized by carbonate ions substituting phosphate or hydroxyl groups in hydroxyapatite. NCAC refers to this material engineered at the nanoscale, often combined with nanoclays (layered silicate minerals), to enhance surface area, biological activity, and mechanical properties. It serves as a bone substitute, implant coating, and caries prevention agent. Research maturity is moderate to advanced, with systematic reviews and in vivo studies supporting its biocompatibility and osteoconductivity.
Benefits
Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay promotes bone regeneration by acting as an osteoconductive scaffold, supporting new bone growth. It enhances implant integration and stability due to its biomimetic properties and shows high resorbability, allowing gradual replacement by natural bone tissue. Nano-hydroxyapatite, a related compound, demonstrates efficacy in caries prevention by remineralizing enamel. Potential antibacterial properties are observed when doped with silver ions. These benefits are particularly relevant for patients requiring bone grafts or implants and individuals at risk of dental caries. Systematic reviews indicate consistent osteoconductive effects, while meta-analyses show statistically significant reductions in caries incidence with nano-hydroxyapatite.
How it works
Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay acts as a scaffold, facilitating osteoblast attachment and proliferation, which are crucial for bone formation. It provides a mineral phase similar to natural bone, promoting biomineralization. The carbonate substitution increases solubility and bioresorbability compared to pure hydroxyapatite. It integrates with bone tissue without eliciting a significant immune response, supporting natural bone remodeling processes. In dental applications, it aids in enamel remineralization. As a biomaterial, it is not absorbed systemically but resorbed locally in bone tissue, with nanoparticle size enhancing surface area and interaction with cells.
Side effects
Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay is generally regarded as safe and biocompatible with minimal immunogenicity. Common side effects are not widely reported in clinical contexts, though local inflammation is possible but minimal. Uncommon side effects may include mild local irritation or transient inflammation. Rare side effects, such as allergic reactions, are extremely rare. No significant systemic drug interactions have been reported. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to calcium phosphate materials, which is very rare. Use in pregnant or immunocompromised patients has not been extensively studied, warranting caution. Silver-doped variants require careful dose control due to potential cytotoxicity.
Dosage
Dosage guidelines for Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay are not standardized, as they depend on the specific application. In bone grafts, the volume and concentration are tailored to the defect size. Clinical use is guided by surgical protocols. There is no reported systemic toxicity; local tissue tolerance guides limits. It is typically applied at the time of surgery or dental treatment. It is available in powder, paste, or composite scaffold forms, depending on the clinical need. The local resorption rate is influenced by particle size and carbonate content. No specific cofactors are required, but physiological calcium and phosphate availability are important.
FAQs
Is Nano Carbonate Apatite Clay safe for human use?
Yes, it is generally safe with excellent biocompatibility and minimal immune response. Systematic reviews support its safety profile in bone tissue engineering.
Can it help in dental caries prevention?
Nano-hydroxyapatite, a related compound, has demonstrated efficacy in caries prevention. Direct evidence for carbonate apatite clay is limited but promising for enamel remineralization.
How long does it take to see benefits in bone healing?
Bone regeneration effects typically manifest over weeks to months post-implantation, as the material acts as a scaffold for new bone growth.
Are there any known side effects?
Side effects are rare and mostly limited to mild local inflammation at the site of application. Allergic reactions are extremely rare.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38399345/ – This systematic review, encompassing 18 studies from 2014 to 2023, highlights carbonate apatite's excellent biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and resorbability, making it suitable for bone substitution and tissue engineering. The review notes minimal immunological reactions, but also points out the need for larger RCTs to confirm these findings. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and performed a comprehensive database search.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35103837/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs (n≥30 per group) demonstrates that nano-hydroxyapatite significantly reduces caries incidence and promotes enamel remineralization compared to placebo or fluoride. While the focus is on hydroxyapatite rather than carbonate apatite clay, the high-quality evidence supports dental benefits. The study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite in caries prevention.
- https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pls2.10146 – This study focuses on nanoclays and their applications. While not directly related to carbonate apatite, it provides context on the use of nanoclays in conjunction with other materials. It highlights the potential of nanoclays in various applications, including biomedical fields.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2024.1410203/full – This study investigates the use of nano-hydroxyapatite in bioengineering and biotechnology. It explores the potential applications of nano-hydroxyapatite in various fields. The research contributes to the understanding of nano-hydroxyapatite's role in advanced bioengineering applications.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/14/7/385 – This in vitro and material characterization study shows that silver doping enhances the antibacterial properties of carbonate hydroxyapatite nanoparticles without significant cytotoxicity at controlled doses. The study confirms particle sizes in the nanometer range, but notes that clinical safety and efficacy require further study. The research provides a peer-reviewed experimental analysis with a robust methodology.
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