Work

Rapid gelation strategy for ion-doped hierarchical hollow hydroxyapatite microspheres with enhanced bioactivity for bone repair

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The development of biomimetic microsphere systems holds great promise for advancing bone tissue engineering, yet challenges remain in achieving scalable synthesis of hierarchical structures with controlled bioactivity. Here, we report a rapid gelation-based strategy to fabricate hydroxyapatite (HAp) microspheres doped with biologically relevant ions (Mg, Sr, Zn, Fe). By exploiting the strong affinity between guar gum and trace copper ions, stable gel precursors were formed, enabling large-scale production of hollow microspheres. Structural characterizations confirmed that ion substitution preserved the HAp lattice while modulating crystallinity and particle growth. scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed the formation of well-defined hollow cores, with cavity size positively correlated with ion concentration. Thermogravimetric data suggested that hollow architectures arose from gel microstructure evolution during calcination. In vitro assays with bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated robust cell adhesion, spindle-like morphology, and active proliferation on the microsphere surfaces, confirming excellent cytocompatibility.

Source: Biomedical Materials

DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ae59dd

Authors: Yasi Chen, Wei Shuai, Yizhuo Li, Baoyue Cao, Hui Yang

Institutions: Gannan Medical University, Xiangya Hospital Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University