Hydroxyapatite from Mollusk Shells
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a calcium phosphate mineral with the formula Caâ‚â‚€(POâ‚„)₆(OH)â‚‚, and it plays a critical role in biomedical applications such as bone grafts, dental implants, and as a catalyst support in environmental remediation. While HAp is traditionally synthesized from synthetic sources, there is increasing interest in utilizing natural materials like mollusk shells for its production. Mollusk shells, primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.