Marine hydroxyapatite is a natural, microcrystalline calcium phosphate produced from fish scales, a biomimetic form of the same mineral that builds human bone and tooth enamel. Nizona manufactures phase pure marine hydroxyapatite (HAp) as a raw material for bone graft and tissue engineering applications and as a bioavailable calcium source for nutraceuticals. Backward integrated across our own marine supply chain, our HAp is fully traceable, free from BSE / prion risk, and has Halal advantages over bovine and porcine derived apatite.
What is marine hydroxyapatite?
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a calcium phosphate with the formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂ : the principal mineral component of bone and teeth. Marine hydroxyapatite is HAp recovered from fish by-products such as scale and bone. Unlike laboratory synthesised, stoichiometric HAp, naturally derived marine apatite is calcium deficient and carbonated carrying trace ions such as magnesium and sodium within its lattice. This composition closely mirrors the mineral phase of human bone itself a calcium deficient carbonated apatite, which underlies its osteoconductive and biocompatible behaviour. The result is a material that is at once naturally sourced and structurally biomimetic.
Not all hydroxyapatite is equal. The source determines composition, safety profile and market acceptance and marine-derived HAp offers a combination that synthetic and mammalian sources cannot match at the same time.
Biomimetic composition
Fish-derived apatite is calcium-deficient and carbonated, with a calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio and trace-element profile close to natural bone mineral. Research on hydroxyapatite from species such as salmon and rainbow trout has reported biological compatibility comparable to — and in some studies exceeding — that of synthetic apatite, attributed to the carbonate and magnesium present. For bone-contact applications, this resemblance to native tissue is the central advantage.
Free from BSE / prion risk
Halal and broadly acceptable
Sustainable and fully traceable
Typical specifications
Indicative properties of Nizona’s phase-pure marine hydroxyapatite. A full Certificate of Analysis including phase confirmation, carbonate content, a heavy-metal panel and microbiological data is available on request.
Parameter
Product
Phase purity
Appearance
Crystallite size
Particle size
Specific surface area (BET)
Average pore diameter
Ca/P (atomic)
Solubility
Source
Certifications
Typical value
Phase-pure marine hydroxyapatite (HAp); natural, microcrystalline
Single-phase HAp (XRD-confirmed)
White powder
~37 nm
~320–370 nm
~4.93 m²/g
~360 nm
~1.35–1.62 — calcium-deficient, carbonated (biomimetic)
Insoluble / sparingly soluble in water
Fish scale (marine by-product)
ISO, FSSAI, Halal, MPEDA, EU (as applicable; current certificates on request)
Why Nizona
Nizona is a backward integrated marine ingredients manufacturer
producing hydroxyapatite, collagen and related speciality grades from its own supply chain. That integration means cost control, security of supply and traceability that resellers cannot offer. Through Nizona Marine Products, our ingredients reach customers in more than 20 countries, supported by an R&D team focused on functional marine biomaterials.
Applications
Nizona supplies marine hydroxyapatite as a raw material and ingredient. Finished-product manufacturers integrate it across two principal areas, with custom grades available for adjacent uses.
Research &
Evidence
N. G. Thomas; Y. B. Dalvi ; N Fijol ; J. Shilpa ; Rekha Unni ; P. K. Binsi ; M. G. Varghese ; Reshmy. R ; A. P. Mathew ; Sukumaran Anil (2023) Fish scale derived hydroxyapatite incorporated 3D printed PLA scaffold for bone tissue engineering New Journal of Chemistry, Volume 48, Issue 24, June 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marine hydroxyapatite better than synthetic or bovine HAp?
What is the Ca/P ratio of fish-derived hydroxyapatite?
Is your hydroxyapatite suitable for bone grafts and scaffolds?
Is the hydroxyapatite Halal certified and BSE-free?
Can I request a sample, and what is the minimum order quantity?
Do you export internationally, and on what Incoterms?
