Whitlockite (WH), a magnesium-enriched calcium phosphate mineral, is emerging as a promising biomaterial in bone tissue engineering due to its chemical similarity to natural bone and dual role in promoting osteogenesis and regulating bone resorption. Compared to conventional materials like hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), WH offers higher solubility, superior ion release (notably Mg²⁺), and enhanced bioactivity. This systematic review evaluates the in vivo efficacy of WH-based biomaterials in bone regeneration. Key outcomes include bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD), osteogenic marker expression, and histological bone quality. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central was conducted up to March 2025. Eligible studies assessed WH-based materials in animal bone defect models with quantifiable regenerative outcomes. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to significant heterogeneity across models, scaffold types, and endpoints. Seventeen animal studies (rats, mice, rabbits) met inclusion criteria. WH was used in forms such as nanoparticles, granules, and scaffolds with polymers like chitosan and gelatin. WH consistently outperformed HA and β-TCP with up to a 2–6 % increase in BV/TV, BMD, and histological bone formation. Upregulation of ALP, OCN, RUNX2, and COL1 was observed. Doped WH variants and composites enhanced osteoinductive and angiogenic responses. No adverse effects were reported. WH demonstrates superior osteogenic and biocompatible properties over traditional calcium phosphates. Future standardized, long-term studies are needed to support clinical translation for orthopedic and dental bone regeneration.

Whitlockite (WH) is a magnesium-containing calcium phosphate mineral that occurs naturally in bone and teeth. Its biological relevance lies in its ability to promote osteogenesis and provide mechanical stability, making it a strong candidate for bone repair applications. Introducing mesoporosity into Whitlockite is expected to further enhance its biological activity by increasing surface roughness and surface area, which improves protein adsorption and supports cell growth. This work focused on preparing mesoporous Whitlockite (Meso-Wh) through a controlled acid treatment method, followed by detailed structural and surface characterization, and an in vitro evaluation of its cytocompatibility. Whitlockite was synthesized using a precipitation–hydrothermal method with calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate precursors. Mesoporosity was induced by hydrochloric acid treatment (pH 4). The particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption studies with BET and BJH analysis. Cytocompatibility was tested by an indirect MTT assay using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. SEM images showed that Meso-Wh particles were smaller and rougher compared with untreated Whitlockite. EDS confirmed calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and magnesium as the major elements. XRD patterns indicated reduced crystallinity in Meso-Wh, and FTIR spectra revealed broadening of phosphate bands, suggesting lattice disorder due to acid treatment. BET analysis gave a surface area of 63.07 m²/g, while BJH pore distribution confirmed mesopores mainly in the 2–5 nm range. MTT results showed good cytocompatibility, with high cell viability at 25–75 % extract dilutions and a slight decrease at 100 %. The positive control exhibited marked cytotoxicity. Acid treatment effectively produced mesoporous Whitlockite with enhanced surface area and nanoscale porosity, without altering its chemical composition, indicating its suitability for further development as a bone tissue engineering scaffold.

Metallodrugs have a potent application in various medical fields. In the current study, we used a novel Palladium(II) thiazolinyl picolinamide complex that was directly fabricated over the titanium implant to examine its potency in inhibiting dual-species biofilms and exopolysaccharides. Additionally, inhibition of mono- and dual-species biofilms by coated titanium plates in an in vitro joint microcosm was performed. The study was carried out for 7 days by cultivating mono- and dual-species biofilms on titanium plates placed in both growth media and artificial synovial fluid (ASF). By qPCR analysis, the interaction of co-cultured biofilms in ASF and the alteration in gene expression of co-cultured biofilms were studied. Remarkable alleviation of biofilm accumulation and EPS secretion was observed on the coated titanium plates. The effective impairment of biofilms and EPS matrix of biofilms on Pd(II)-E-coated titanium plates were visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Moreover, coated titanium plates improved the adhesion of osteoblast cells, which is crucial for a bone biomaterial. The potential bioactivity of coated plates was also confirmed at the molecular level using qPCR analysis. The stability of coated plates in ASF for 7 days was examined with FESEM-EDAX analysis. Collectively, the present study provided an excellent anti-infective effect on Pd(II)-E-coated titanium plates without affecting their biocompatibility with bone cells.

India bears the highest global burden of oral cancer, with over 83,400 cases reported in 2022. The widespread use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut, particularly in rural and underserved communities, continues to drive this public health crisis. Despite government regulations and awareness campaigns, tobacco consumption remains high due to cultural acceptance, affordability, and accessibility of products like gutkha and khaini. This review examines the role of celebrity endorsements in tobacco cessation efforts, assessing their influence on public perception and behavior. Bollywood actors and sports icons, who hold immense cultural influence in India, have been leveraged in health campaigns to promote tobacco-free lifestyles. While some celebrity-driven initiatives have successfully raised awareness, surrogate marketing remains a critical challenge. Many celebrities indirectly endorse harmful products like pan masala and mouth fresheners, undermining tobacco control efforts. To counter this, stricter policies are needed to regulate celebrity endorsements, ensuring alignment with public health goals. This review highlights key strategies for maximizing the impact of celebrity-led health campaigns while minimizing the risks posed by surrogate marketing. By fostering sustained celebrity engagement and implementing robust policy measures, India can take significant steps toward reducing smokeless tobacco use and preventing oral cancer.