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Eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial in dentistry: a scoping review of synthesis, properties and applications

Evidence-Based Dentistry volume 26, page 153 (2025) Cite this article

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Abstract

Background

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) derived from chicken eggshells has recently gained significant interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This paper aims to review the synthesis, properties and applications of eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite (E-HAp) in dentistry.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases, along with a grey literature search. The references of selected studies were also manually reviewed to identify additional relevant articles. No restrictions were applied for language or publication year. Two independent reviewers carried out the study selection and data extraction processes.

Results

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. Most studies were in vitro investigations focused on applications such as dentinal tubule sealing (n = 4) and remineralization of initial enamel caries lesions (n = 4). E-HAp was also studied for tissue engineering applications, including alveolar ridge preservation as a bone graft material (n = 5) and periodontal regeneration (n = 2). Additional applications included regenerative endodontics (n = 3) and use as a pulp capping agent (n = 2).

Conclusion

E-HAp shows a wide range of applications in dentistry, particularly in tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry, marking it as a promising biomaterial in dentistry.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Indian council of medical research for funding the study.

Funding

The review is part of a study funded by Indian council of medical research (Reference number: IIRP-2023-7925).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, TamilNadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

    J. Shanti Swarup

  2. Research assistant, TamilNadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

    Rathika Thomas

  3. Project technical support, TamilNadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

    Jessica Rucharitha

  4. Department of Prosthodontics, Adhiparasakthi Dental college and Hospital, Chennai, India

    V. R. Arunkumar

  5. Department of Oral Pathology, SRM Dental College, Chennai, India

    Vasanthi V

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  1. J. Shanti Swarup
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  2. Rathika Thomas
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  4. V. R. Arunkumar
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  5. Vasanthi V
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Contributions

The idea was conceptualized by SS. The team comprising all the co-authors designed the protocol and the methods of the study. The extraction of data was conducted by RT and JR. The steps of analysis were conducted by SS, RT, AK and V. The initial draft of the manuscript was prepared by JS, RT. It was revised by SS.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Shanti Swarup.

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No conflicts to declare. This scoping review upholds ethical principles by transparently detailing the methodology employed to identify, evaluate, and synthesize existing research. It ensures a thorough and impartial analysis of the available literature while acknowledging potential limitations and conflicts of interest. The review is committed to accurately presenting the findings and avoiding any misrepresentation or misleading interpretation of the data.

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Swarup, J.S., Thomas, R., Rucharitha, J. et al. Eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial in dentistry: a scoping review of synthesis, properties and applications. Evid Based Dent 26, 153 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-025-01146-3

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