Colloidal Apatite Particles : A Multifunctional Platform in (Nano)Medicine

Abstract

Calcium phosphate apatites are naturally present in all vertebrates, as a biomineral in teeth and bones. The possibility to prepare synthetic analogs in close-to-physiological conditions allows the development of bio-inspired materials for medical use. While apatite-based biomaterials are extensively developed for bone regeneration, their intrinsic biocompatibility also allows designing original applications as in nanomedicine. In this paper, we will illustrate why colloidal apatite particles can be seen as a multifunctional platform for (nano)medical uses, well beyond bone repair. Retrospective data will be summarized in this mini-review, especially relating to oncology and hematology applications of apatite colloidal particles. Then novel data will be presented, in the field of dermatology and of particle tracking, using Raman confocal microscopy and μPIXE elemental mapping on substituted apatites. By exploiting their exceptional surface and bulk reactivities, colloidal apatite particles appear as robust new comers to nanomedicine, with the capacity to exhibit tailorable functionalities.