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 green chemical synthesis platform for the development of new types of inorganic LCs. This process may reduce the difficulties in synthesizing large quantities of inorganic LCs so that they can be applied to the fabrication of functional materials.
Highlights
The macroscopically ordered structure of rod-like nanoapatites within the collagen matrix is of great significance for the mechanical performance of bones and teeth
We systematically evaluated the zeta potentials and statistical RL/Ds of nanoapatites synthesized at different ratio of sodium citrate to calcium salts (RC/C) and hydrothermal temperatures (Fig. 1a,b)
Considering the colloidal stability of the nanoapatite dispersion and the aspect ratio of the rod-like nanoapatites, an RC/C above 2/3, a hydrothermal time of 3 h, and a hydrothermal temperature above 90 °C should be appropriate for the preparation of liquid crystalline nanoapatite
Summary
The macroscopically ordered structure of rod-like nanoapatites within the collagen matrix is of great significance for the mechanical performance of bones and teeth. These citrate molecules play very important roles in facilitating the dispersion of rod-like nanoapatites in bone tissue and in controlling the growth of apatite crystals. The method allows precise control of the sizes, aspect ratios, and surface properties of the nanoapatite LCs by adjusting the mole ratio of sodium citrate to calcium salts (RC/C), the hydrothermal temperature, and the hydrothermal time.
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