Hydroxyapatite-Starch-Based Sustainable Biomaterials

Abstract

In this chapter, key aspects of biomaterials composed of hydroxyapatite in combination with starch are discussed with emphasis on nanomedicine applications, especially drug delivery. Both biomaterials, hydroxyapatite and starch, present advantages considering sustainability aspects. In the introduction broadly discussing the potentiality and outstanding advantages of these biomaterials for such an application, the structure, properties and biomedical applications of hydroxyapatite as well as the structure and pharmaceutical preparations of starch are mentioned. In addition, a rationale for the combination of hydroxyapatite and starch for the creation of sustainable green biomaterials with enhanced functionalities will be highlighted. Also, separate hydroxyapatite-based, and starch-based drug delivery systems will be explored, and then we will highlight the properties that the biomaterial seeks to be a drug delivery system and that this combination could satisfy. Next, a review of hydroxyapatite-starch based drug delivery systems found in formulations reported in the literature is presented, followed by some strategies for drug incorporation into hydroxyapatite-starch composites. Finally, the main challenges faced by this system are addressed, e.g., choosing the routes of administration according to the idea that hydroxyapatite is unlikely to degrade under physiological conditions. Undoubtedly, fabrication techniques will improve by adopting environmentally sustainable methods, so that in the future we will have options for effective and affordable drug delivery to solve complex medical challenges.