- Calcium phosphate
Calcium phosphate is the name given to a family of
mineral s containingcalcium ion s (Ca2+) together with orthophosphates (PO43-), metaphosphates orpyrophosphate s (P2O74-) and occasionallyhydrogen orhydroxide ions. Seventy percent of bone is made up ofhydroxylapatite , a calcium phosphate mineral.Tooth enamel is also largely calcium phosphate.Uses
For the production of
phosphoric acid andfertilizer s, for example in the Odda process. Overuse of certain forms of calcium phosphate can lead tonutrient -containingsurface runoff and subsequent adverse effects uponreceiving waters such asalgal bloom s andeutrophication .Calcium phosphate is also a raising agent, with
E number E341. It is also used in cheese products.It is also used as a
nutritional supplement . There is some debate about the different bioavailabilities of the different calcium salts.It is used in a variety of dental products for remineralization.
Another practical application of the compound is its use in gene
transfection of cells.Fact|date=January 2008 It is not too well understood, but the calcium phosphate precipitate and DNA form a complex that is thought to help the DNA enter the cell.Calcium phosphate compounds
*
Calcium dihydrogen phosphate , E341(i): Ca(H2PO4)2
*Calcium hydrogen phosphate , E341(ii): CaHPO4
*Tricalcium phosphate (or tricalcic phosphate), E341(iii): Ca3(PO4)2
** Calcium phosphate Ca3(PO4)2References
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