The obtention of hydroxyapatite (HAp) is reported using brushite
(CaHPO4·2H2O) and the skeleton of a starfish
(Mellita eduardobarrosoi sp. nov.), primarily composed of magnesian
calcite ((Ca,Mg)CO3) as precursors. Stoichiometric amounts of
both were reacted under hydrothermal conditions: a pressure of 5.8 MPa and
a temperature of 200°C for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 20 h of reaction times.
The samples obtained were characterized by means of scanning electron
microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and transmission
electron microscopy. Two defined populations of HAp fibers were found: A
bundle of fibers 75 μm in length and 1–13 μm in diameter,
and a second bundle of fibers 5 μm in length and less than 0.5 μm
in diameter. Furthermore, an increase in HAp formation and a Ca/P
ratio as a function of reaction time were observed. The growth mechanism
of HAp is also discussed.