Enhancing Bone Regeneration and Biocompatibility through Erbium-Doped Hydroxyapatite

Introduction: Human bones are naturally occurring composite materials, with approximately 65% of their structure comprising inorganic nanocrystalline ceramic with an apatite structure. Hydroxyapatite (HA), a key member of the calcium phosphate family, is widely recognized for its superior osteoconductive properties, making it a valuable bioceramic for applications such as hard tissue repair, dental treatments, and bioceramic coatings. Erbium (Er), a rare-earth element naturally present in bone, has demonstrated potential for biomedical applications due to its non-toxic nature. This study aims to evaluate the biocompatibility of erbium-doped hydroxyapatite (Er-HA) for potential applications in bone regeneration.