Calcium Phosphate

Calcium phosphate is a term given to a group of minerals that contain calcium ions collectively with metaphosphates, orthophosphates, or pyrophosphates, and sometimes hydroxide ions or hydrogen. It is described as neutral deliquescent powder, utilized into baking powders, in glass, plastic stabilizers and plant food. It is also a white formless powder used in rubber, ceramics, fertilizers, and food supplement.

There are five varieties of calcium phosphate namely:

Tricalcium Phosphate this type has a beta and alpha crystal form, the latter being formed by high temperatures. Tricalcium phosphate is also called as tribasic calcium phosphate, calcium orthophosphate, tertiary calcium phosphate, or "bone bash" being one main combustion produce of the bone.

Dicalcium phosphate is another type which is dibasic, and is also called as calcium monohydrogen phosphate. It is commonly found as dihydrate but be capable of thermally transforming to anhydrous form. It is almost insoluble into water, and contains approximately twenty-three percent of dihydrate form of calcium, and largely used as dietary supplement in breakfast cereals, noodle products, enriched flour, and tableting agent.

Calcium Dihydrogen phosphate is a chemical composite that decompose at 203°C. It is commonly used as fertilizer and leavening agent.

Calcium Pyrophosphate, a chemical composite that can be created through reaction of Pyrophosporic acid plus calcium base or through strongly heating calcium ammonium orthophosphate or calcium hydrogen orthophosphate.

Hydroxylapatite, a mineral that is naturally occurring apatite, is a type of calcium that is a major mineral component of the bone. Medically, it can be used to restore amputated bone, a coating to support bone ingrowths into prosthetic implants.

Calcium phosphate is an essential raw material in the manufacture of fertilizers and phosphoric acid. It cam also be used for food additives or raising agent, and used in cheese produce. This compound is a mineral salt originated in bones and rocks.

Calcium phosphate of some forms when overused can result to nutrient-enclosed surface runoff, plus ensuing adverse effects on receiving waters like eutrophication and algal blooms. An additional practical function of calcium phosphate is its utilization in gene transfection. The ions of calcium can build a cell capable of allowing exogenous genes to get into the cell through diffusion. Afterwards, a heat shock brings on the cell to mend itself. This is an easy and fast method of transfection although a somewhat inefficient one.

The majority of calcium phosphates are categorized as resorbable biomaterials, which means that they will melt or dissolve in physiological conditions. Its benefits as biomaterial are that its dissolution products can be readily absorbed by the body.