Polyelectrolyte Adsorption in Bioceramic Systems: Hydroxyapatite as a Substrate Material

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) belongs to a family of structurally and chemically related. sparingly soluble calcium phosphate (CP) salts [1]. and is the structural prototype for the principal mineral component of bone and teeth [2]. Well-defined synthetic HAP has excellent biocompatibility and is widely exploited as a biomedical material [3J. Furthermore. synthetic HAP is frequently used as a surrogate in studies of calcified tissue. because the latter are complex and highly variable [4]. For an overview of bioceramic applications and materials. see the review by Wilson [Chap. 11. this volumeJ.