Innovations in Medicine: BelSU Develops a New Bioactive Filling Material

Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) is at the forefront of medical innovation with the development of a cutting-edge bioactive filling material. This new material not only closely resembles the composition of human and animal bone tissue but also features a customizable decomposition rate in the body, enhancing its ability to stimulate bone growth.

The research team from the Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry, and Biology has successfully developed a modified hydroxyapatite that mimics the structural properties of the minerals that form the foundation of bones and teeth. Leading this project is Igor Tarasov, a dedicated fourth-year student, under the expert guidance of Professor Mikhail Trubitsyn and Associate Professor Lyubov Furda from the Department of General Chemistry.

Professor Trubitsyn expressed the team’s vision: “Our goal is not just to create materials similar to human tissues but to develop biomimetic substances that truly reflect the structure of natural bioapatites found in human and animal bone tissue.”

He emphasized the broad potential applications of this technology, which could significantly impact various fields, including dentistry and surgery.

The researchers have designed a method to produce nanosized biomimetic hydroxyapatite that not only restores the mineral composition of damaged tissues and enamel but also actively promotes their regeneration. One of the remarkable features of this material is its adjustable osteoinductivity—the ability to form new dental and bone tissue tailored to individual patient needs. By varying the molar ratio of fluoride anions to silicate anions, scientists can control how soluble the hydroxyapatite becomes when it interacts with interstitial fluids.

Silicate anions play a crucial role by enhancing osteoblast activity, thereby increasing the material's bioactivity, while fluoride anions help regulate its crystallinity and chemical stability. The resulting biomimetic hydroxyapatite boasts a uniform crystal structure with particle sizes ranging from 5 to 60 nm, ensuring optimal bioresorbability. Impressively, this innovative material is also recognized as the most biocompatible option for intraperitoneal injection.

Researchers at BelSU have significantly improved the synthesis process for hydroxyapatite, enhancing energy efficiency compared to traditional methods that require high temperatures. By optimizing the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane, they achieved better substitution with silicate anions, leading to a more effective production process.

Key innovations include the immediate addition of ammonium hydrogen orthophosphate after ammonium fluoride, which prevents inert calcium fluoride impurities and eliminates calcium oxide that could cause microcracks in dental applications. The use of citric acid as a modifying agent further distinguishes this development by inhibiting crystal growth and ensuring individual particles remain distinct. Additionally, employing ammonium fluoride (NH4F) allows for precise control over fluoride content, regulating the solubility and bioresorbability of the biomimetic hydroxyapatite for diverse medical applications.