Bio-inspired synthesis of aqueous nanoapatite liquid crystals.

ABSTRACT: The macroscopically ordered structure of rod-like nanoapatites within the collagen matrix is of great significance for the mechanical performance of bones and teeth. However, the synthesis of macroscopically ordered nanoapatite remains a challenge. Inspired by the effect of citrate molecules on apatite crystals in natural bone and the similarities between these ordered rod-like nanoapatites and the nematic phase of inorganic liquid crystals (LCs), we synthesized aqueous liquid crystal from rod-like nanoapatites with the aid of sodium citrate. Following a similar procedure, aqueous Mg(OH)2 and Mg3(PO4)2 LCs were also prepared. These findings lay the foundation for the fabrication of macroscopically assembled nanoapatite-based functional materials for biomedical applications and offer a gree

SUBMITTER: Tan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6345739 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature