Biomimetic hydroxyapatite on graphene supports for biomedical applications: A review

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been widely used in fields of materials science, tissue engineering, biomedicine, energy and environmental science, and analytical science due to its simple preparation, low-cost, and high biocompatibility. To overcome the weak mechanical properties of pure HA, various reinforcing materials were incorporated with HA to form high-performance composite materials. Due to the unique structural, biological, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties, graphene has exhibited great potentials for supporting the biomimetic synthesis of HA. In this review, we present recent advance in the biomimetic synthesis of HA on graphene supports for biomedical applications. More focuses on the biomimetic synthesis methods of HA and HA on graphene supports, as well as the biomedical applications of biomimetic graphene-HA nanohybrids in drug delivery, cell growth, bone regeneration, biosensors, and antibacterial test are performed. We believe that this review is state-of-the-art, and it will be valuable for readers to understand the biomimetic synthesis mechanisms of HA and other bioactive minerals, at the same time it can inspire the design and synthesis of graphene-based novel nanomaterials for advanced applications.