Monodisperse F-substituted hydroxyapatite single-crystal nanotubes with amphiphilic surface properties.

Uniform F-substituted HAp nanotubes with different aspect ratios and surface properties have been successfully prepared via a hydrothermal synthetic route. A small amount of 3% F doping into HAp can lead to the formation of nanotubes. This study will provide not only novel building blocks for the construction of artificial bones or other composites with novel mechanical properties but also a new strategy for the controlled growth of inorganic nanotubes.