Hydroxyapatite (HAp) extracted from eggshell is emerging as a “promising biomaterial in dentistry,” according to a recently published review.
The review analyzed 17 studies on eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite (E-HAp) and found that the material has “wide applications” in tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases, as well as a grey literature search.
Most of the studies included in this review were in vitro studies, focusing on uses such as sealing of dentinal tubules and remineralization of early enamel caries lesions. E-HAp has also been used in the field of tissue engineering, including alveolar ridge preservation and periodontal regeneration using bone grafts. Other potential applications include regenerative endodontic therapy and use as a pulp capping agent.
The authors note that this review was prompted by the growing interest in E-HAp in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
While the use of hydroxyapatite (a naturally occurring calcium phosphate that is the main inorganic component of bone and teeth) in human implants is not new, researchers continue to explore new sources of this material.
In addition to eggshells, hydroxyapatite can be synthesized from cow, pig and fish bones, shells, mussel shells, and certain plants. A 2018 study even investigated chicken beaks (a waste material that could cause environmental problems) as a potential source.
Bioengineering is also taking inspiration from animals in the broader regenerative dentistry research. In 2024, a team at Tufts University in Massachusetts reported that they had successfully used bioengineering technology to grow human-like teeth in pigs, representing a major advance in the field of dental regenerative medicine.
Related topics:
