Hydroxyapatite Purification via Aqueous Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing bone regeneration materials using hydroxyapatite are inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful due to long processing times, use of organic solvents, and high energy consumption, making industrial-scale production difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aqueous extraction solution at intensified conditions (150°C to 300°C and 1500 kPa to 3500 kPa) to separate hydroxyapatite from organic substances, reducing processing time to 2-5 hours and using only water and soda, which are inexpensive and environmentally friendly, allowing for continuous or semi-continuous production in a single reactor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional extraction methods using organic solvents and extended processing are used, then organic substances are removed from bone material, but the process becomes time-consuming (2-200 hours), costly, and environmentally harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the extraction conditions: using an aqueous basic solution (pH 12-14) instead of organic solvents, and implementing intensified heating (100-250°C) with controlled pressure. These parameter changes enable complete removal of organic substances while reducing processing time from 2-200 hours to just 2-5 hours, resolving the contradiction between purity and processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical extraction system using organic solvents with a thermal-chemical system using aqueous basic solution under intensified heating. This substitution eliminates the need for lengthy solvent-based extraction while achieving complete organic substance removal through enhanced solubility and hydrolysis at elevated temperatures and pH
2Reliability
If conventional extraction methods with organic solvents are used, then organic substances are extracted, but the process generates harmful waste and increases environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful organic solvent extraction process into a beneficial aqueous-based process. By using water as the extraction medium with added base, the method eliminates harmful organic waste generation while maintaining effective organic substance removal. The waste stream becomes primarily water and solubilized organics that can be treated more easily, thus converting environmental harm into benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and environmentally persistent organic solvents with inexpensive, easily treatable aqueous basic solution. The extraction liquid can be readily disposed of or treated through standard wastewater processes, eliminating the need for complex solvent recovery systems and reducing environmental persistence, thus applying the principle of using cheap, short-living extraction media
3Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used, then organic substances are removed, but the process requires multiple steps and extensive rinsing (5-25 days), increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction and rinsing steps into a single integrated process. The aqueous basic solution serves both as the extraction medium and as the rinsing agent, eliminating the need for separate rinsing steps with demineralized water that previously required 5-25 days. This consolidation reduces process complexity from multiple sequential steps to a single unified operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous extraction and rinsing action in a single batch process. The aqueous basic solution continuously extracts organic substances while simultaneously serving as the rinsing medium, maintaining useful action throughout the entire processing period rather than requiring alternating extraction and rinsing phases, thus reducing overall processing time and complexity
4Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used, then organic substances are degraded and solubilized, but the process consumes significant energy and requires expensive reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by carefully selecting the temperature range (100-250°C) and pH (12-14) parameters. These parameter changes enable effective organic substance degradation and solubilization at lower temperatures compared to conventional methods, reducing energy input requirements while maintaining complete removal efficiency through the synergistic effect of high pH and moderate heating
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method produces a bone regeneration material with less than 150 ppm organic substances, achieving high purity and biocompatibility, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, and enabling industrial-scale production efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a contacting of a bone material containing hydroxyapatite and organic substances with an extraction liquid which gives rise to a liquid phase containing said organic substances and possibly impurities extracted from said bone material and to a solid hydroxyapatite phase containing said hydroxyapatite
Implementation Method 2
the bone material is first degreased and then placed in a heated aqueous solution, preferably at a temperature between 80 and 200°C, of primary amines or ammonia in which the organic substances are degraded and solubilized
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method that includes: - placing a bone material, containing hydroxyapatite and organic substances, in contact with an extraction liquid that gives rise to a first liquid phase, containing said organic substances and possibly impurities extracted from said bone material, and a second solid hydroxyapatite phase, containing said hydroxyapatite; and - separating said liquid phase and said solid hydroxyapatite phase. Said extraction liquid is an aqueous extraction solution brought to a temperature between 150°C and 300°C and a pressure between 150 kPa and 350 kPa.