Synthesis, characterization and biomedical application of nano beta tricalcium phosphate

Nano beta tricalcium phosphate (nβ-TCP) is one of the common and excellent biomaterials in the biomedical field. It is commonly related to the bone and teeth, as it has excellent mimicry to the nanocomposite of a natural bone. Its nano size improves biodegradability, solubility, stability, and the surface area to volume ratio hence providing a superior physicochemical property than the bulk size β-TCP. In its nanomaterial disperse form, nβ-TCP offers greater cell interaction providing a better template for cell attachment, bone proliferation, and regeneration. However, as yet, no perfect parameter or technique has been attained to endow a designable nβ-TCP biomaterials with the desirable properties. This review discusses key synthesis methods particularly wet chemical precipitation, sol-gel, microwave-assisted, ethanol-water, and mechanochemical approaches along with critical factors such as pH, calcination temperature, and Ca/P ratio. Reported particle sizes vary between 27 and 350 nm, with crystallite sizes influenced by parameters like temperature and precursor ratios. The optimal conditions for high-purity nβ-TCP include 900°C calcination, Ca/P ratio of 1.33–1.5, and pH 8–12. Biomedically, nβ-TCP has demonstrated significant outcomes, including 71% release of tetracycline and 32% release of ibuprofen in drug delivery systems, as well as bone regeneration within 8–12 weeks in vivo. Despite ongoing challenges in synthesis, nβ-TCP holds strong potential as a regenerative material, nanocarrier, and therapeutic agent.