Template-free synthesis of phosphate-based spheres via modified supersaturated phosphate buffer solutions

Modified supersaturated phosphate buffer solutions were used to synthesize phosphate-based spheres, including calcium phosphate (CaP), strontium phosphate (SrP) and barium phosphate (BaP). A series of ions concentrations in the modified phosphate buffer solutions were investigated in order to study their effects in precipitates morphologies. During synthesis, it was found that magnesium was the key factor in sphere formation. The morphologies of calcium phosphate, strontium phosphate and barium phosphate precipitates varied as the concentration of magnesium ions varied. When sufficient magnesium was provided, the precipitates appeared spherical, and the diameter was in range of 0.5–2 μm. The morphologies, compositions and structure of spheres were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and N2 adsorption analysis. Moreover, the application of magnesium substituted calcium phosphate spheres in dentin tubules occlusion was investigated.