Osseointegration and biocompatibility study of macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics obtained by consolidation using albumin

Abstract

The potential of porous materials for applications in the medical, engineering and pharmaceutical areas has been widely reported. Several processing techniques have contributed to the progress in research involving porous biomaterials. To this purpose, a globular protein based (i.e. ovalbumin) consolidation approach has been proposed. In the present study, a porous hydroxyapatite: β-tricalcium phosphate - biphasic ceramics (BCP), was processed by direct consolidation using the protein-action technique. The processed porous ceramic exhibited appropriate pore configuration in terms of size, morphology and distribution. BCP cylindrical samples were implanted in male rabbits tibia to the evaluation of the initial biocompatibility and osseointegration for a 30 days period. The morphological analyses, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy evaluated the osseointegration. A rough surface pattern displayed by the ceramics seemed to have improved cell adhesion and proliferation processes. Furthermore, the open porosity of samples was an essential requirement for a suitable bone-implant osseointegration. In conclusion, this study revealed that the porous matrices obtained, promoted suitable development for bone tissue growth and also properties for osseoconduction and osseointegration.