Oral Biol Res.  2022 Dec;46(4):171-182. 10.21851/obr.46.04.202212.171.

In vitro and in vivo analyses of the biocompatibility of sintered TCP-HA composite screws

• Sun YG
• Lim MS
• Kim YJ
• Choi JI

• KMID: 2537679
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21851/obr.46.04.202212.171

Abstract

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), which is a β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite, is used mainly as a bone graft material. However, it has recently been used for orthopedic, oral, and maxillofacial surgeries. The use of BCP to produce an absorbable screw and plate to reconstruct fractures has been suggested. Nevertheless, further research on using BCP in the surgical field will be needed. In particular, studies on the physical properties of BCP and in vivo analysis are essential. In this study, TCP and HA were mixed at a ratio of 7:3 and heat-treated to form BCP. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and an MTT assay were conducted to evaluate the surface characteristics and physical and biological properties of each sample. In addition, BCP was used to produce a screw to be implanted into the mandible of beagles. An analysis of the physical properties of BCP confirmed the intermediate properties between TCP and HA. The cell viability was better with BCP than TCP, and significant differences were observed on days 1 and 3. Histological analysis at eight weeks after inserting the BCP screw into the mandible of beagles revealed osseointegration between the BCP screw and bone. The results showed that BCP had better mechanical properties than TCP and excellent biocompatibility, highlighting its potential clinical use. In addition, according to its processing, BCP may be used to produce screws and plates for fracture repair or as membranes and space-modeling tents for guided bone regeneration.

Keyword

Biocompatible materials; Bone screws; Dogs; Hydroxyapatite-beta tricalcium phosphate