TCP-Fluorapatite Composite Scaffolds: Mechanical Characterization and In Vitro/In Vivo Testing

Abstract

In the present paper, we investigate the biological performance of the tricalcium phosphate ceramic (β-TCP) bone substitute combined with the fluorapatite (Fap). Porous biocomposites consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) with 26.5% fluorapatite (Fap) were elaborated and characterized in order to evaluate its potential application in bone graft substitute. Bioactivity was determined with in vivo and in vitro tests by immersion of samples in simulated fluid body (SBF) for several periods of time. Clinical, radiological, and histological assessments were then carried out to evaluate the biological properties of developed β-TCP-26.5% Fap composites. An in vivo investigation revealed the biological properties of the prepared macroporous scaffolds, namely, biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability, and osteoconductivity. The morphological characteristics, granule size, and chemical composition were indeed found to be favorable for osseous cell development. All histological observations of the preliminary in vivo study in the tibia of rabbits proved the biocompatibility and the resorption of the investigated bioceramic. In contrast, the implantation period will have to be optimized by further extensive animal experiments.

Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold Optimisation through Modification of Chitosan/Ceramic Composition

“…Nevertheless, the observed values increased compared to previous work within our laboratory [57]. FAp particles have a lower porosity than HAp, and the compressive strength decreases with increasing porosity [58]. It was observed that HAp scaffolds had better mechanical behaviour than FAp scaffolds, indicating that FAp interacted with the CS polymeric chains of the scaffold in 12.5 mL AA.…”

Freeze Casting with Bioceramics for Bone Graft Substitutes

“…Fluoridation through partial and full substitution of the hydroxyl group in HA with fluorine can yield fluorohydroxyapatite (FHA) [Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) x F 1−x ] and fluorapatite (FA) [Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 F 2 ], respectively [118,119]. When compared to HA, FHA and FA have shown improved cell proliferation and differentiation [119,120]. Fluoridation also provides thermal stability, allowing FHA and FA to be sintered at much higher temperatures (up to 1450 °C) than HA and β-TCP with notably less decomposition [121,122].…”