How useful is SBF in predicting in vivo bone bioactivity?

High strength bioactive glass-ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration

This research work is focused on the preparation of macroporous glass-ceramic scaffolds with high mechanical strength, equivalent with cancellous bone. The scaffolds were prepared using an open-cells polyurethane sponge as a template and glass powders belonging to the system SiO(2)-P(2)O(5)-CaO-MgO-Na(2)O-K(2)O. The glass, named as CEL2, was synthesized by a conventional melting-quenching route, ground and sieved to obtain powders of specific size. A slurry of CEL2 powders, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder and water was prepared in order to coat, by a process of impregnation, the polymeric template. A thermal treatment was then used to remove the sponge and to sinter the glass powders, in order to obtain a replica of the template structure. The scaffolds were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, morphological observations, density measurements, volumetric shrinkage, image analysis, capillarity tests, mechanical tests and in vitro bioactivity evaluation.

Blending polysaccharides with biodegradable polymers. II. Structure and biological response of chitosan/polycaprolactone blends

Blends of polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan (CHT) were prepared by casting from the mixture of solutions of both components in suitable solvents. PCL, and CHT, form phase separated blends with improved mechanical properties and increased water sorption ability with respect to pure PCL. The morphology of the system was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy. Dispersed domains of CHT in the semicrystalline PCL matrix were found in samples with less than 20% CHT but cocontinuous phase morphologies are found in blends with 20% or more CHT. This feature was corroborated by the temperature dependence of the elastic modulus measured by dynamic mechanical properties as a function of temperature. It was observed that for those blends above 20 wt% CHT, the mechanical stability of the system was kept even after melting of the PCL phase. Primary human chondrocytes were cultured on the different substrates. Cell morphology was studied by SEM and the viability and proliferation was investigated by the colorimetric MTT assay. Different protein conformations were found by AFM on CHT and PCL samples which were related to the biological performance of the substrates. Hydrophilicty of the material is not directly related to the biological response and the sample with 20 wt% CHT shows better results than the other blends with respect to chondrocyte viability and proliferation. However, the results obtained in the blends are worse than in pure PCL. It seems to be correlated with the surface energy of the different blends rather than hydrophilicity.

Hierarchically mesoporous-macroporous bioactive glasses scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration

Hierarchically 2D/3D mesoporous-macroporous bioactive glasses (MMBG) with good molding capabilities and compressive modulus were synthesized by sol-gel method and evaporation-induced self-assembly process in the presence of both nonionic triblock copolymers, EO(70)PO(20)EO(70) (P123) or EO(100)PO(65)EO(100) (F127), templates and methyl cellulose template. P123 or F127 acts as both a template, inducing the formation of mesopore, and an effective dispersant of MC, which produces macropores. In vitro bioactivity studies were carried out in simulated body fluid and showed superior bone-forming bioactivities of hierarchical MMBG. Human osteoblastlike cells, MG63, were seeded on MMBG and were determined using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5,-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assay to confirm biocompatibilities of MMBG.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry study of the orientation of a bifunctional diblock copolymer attached to a solid substrate

A block copolymer consisting of a phosphate-containing moiety (poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphate], PMOEP) and a keto-containing moiety (poly[2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate], PAAEMA) showed good stability after attachment to an APS amine-modified glass slide, as did both of the respective homopolymers. The PAAEMA homopolymer can attach to the APS amine groups via covalent linkages, while the PMOEP homopolymer most likely attaches through electrostatic interactions involving deprotonated phosphate and protonated amine groups. To elucidate the conformation of the block copolymer after attachment, particularly with respect to the PMOEP segment orientation, principal component analysis (PCA) of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) spectra of the surface-attached polymer layers was performed. Comparison with the pure homopolymer spectra and interpretation after PCA indicate that the adsorbed conformation is not random. Rather, the copolymer is adsorbed in a conformation that preferentially exposes the PMOEP block toward the outer surface. We thus conclude that the most likely conformation of PMOEP-b-PAAEMA immobilized onto the APS-modified glass slide is via covalent interfacial linkages involving the PAAEMA block with the result that the surface is enriched in PMOEP tails. This in turn implies that under the conditions applied (dry DMF) the covalent coupling of keto groups to the amine groups of the aminated slide is more efficient than the proton transfer required for the generation of electrostatic attractions. This (partially) preferential orientation of the PMOEP-b-PAAEMA copolymer could have significant implications on interfacial interactions such as those involved in nucleation and the subsequent mineralization sequence of events in hydroxyapatite formation. The present study demonstrates that ToF-SIMS is a powerful tool not only for the investigation of the surface composition of adsorbed layers, but also for probing the molecular conformation of such adsorbed block copolymers, though care is required in the PCA analysis of multiple spectra.

Bioactive ceramic-based materials with designed reactivity for bone tissue regeneration

Bioactive ceramics have been used clinically to repair bone defects owing to their biological affinity to living bone; i.e. the capability of direct bonding to living bone, their so-called bioactivity. However, currently available bioactive ceramics do not satisfy every clinical application. Therefore, the development of novel design of bioactive materials is necessary. Bioactive ceramics show osteoconduction by formation of biologically active bone-like apatite through chemical reaction of the ceramic surface with surrounding body fluid. Hence, the control of their chemical reactivity in body fluid is essential to developing novel bioactive materials as well as biodegradable materials. This paper reviews novel bioactive materials designed based on chemical reactivity in body fluid.

Apatite formation abilities and mechanical properties of hydroxyethylmethacrylate-based organic-inorganic hybrids incorporated with sulfonic groups and calcium ions

Apatite formation in the living body is an essential requirement for artificial materials to exhibit bone-bonding bioactivity. It has been recently revealed that sulfonic groups trigger apatite nucleation in a body environment. Organic-inorganic hybrids consisting of organic polymers and the sulfonic groups are therefore expected to be useful for preparation of novel bone-repairing materials exhibiting flexibility as well as bioactivity. In the present study, organic-inorganic hybrids were prepared from hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) in the presence of vinylsulfonic acid sodium salt (VSAS) and calcium chloride (CaCl(2)). The bioactivities of the hybrids were assessed in vitro by examining the apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF, Kokubo solution). The hybrids deposited on the apatite after soaking in SBF within 7 days. Tensile strength measurements showed a tendency to increase with increases in VSAS and CaCl(2) content. It was assumed that this phenomenon was attributed to the formation of cross-linking in the hybrids.

Development of 3D PPF/DEF scaffolds using micro-stereolithography and surface modification

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is an ultraviolet-curable and biodegradable polymer with potential applications for bone regeneration. In this study, we designed and fabricated three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds based on a PPF polymer network using micro-stereolithography (MSTL). The 3D scaffold was well fabricated with a highly interconnected porous structure and porosity of 65%. These results provide a new scaffold fabrication method for tissue engineering. Surface modification is a commonly used and effective method for improving the surface characteristics of biomaterials without altering their bulk properties that avoids the expense and long time associated with the development of new biomaterials. Therefore, we examined surface modification of 3D scaffolds by applying accelerated biomimetic apatite and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide coating to promote cell behavior. The apatite coating uniformly covered the scaffold surface after immersion for 24 h in 5-fold simulated body fluid (5SBF) and then the RGD peptide was applied. Finally, the coated 3D scaffolds were seeded with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and their biologic properties were evaluated using an MTS assay and histologic staining. We found that 3D PPF/diethyl fumarate (DEF) scaffolds fabricated with MSTL and biomimetic apatite coating can be potentially used in bone tissue engineering.

Surface modification of P(EMA-co-HEA)/SiO2 nanohybrids for faster hydroxyapatite deposition in simulated body fluid?

P(EMA-co-HEA)/SiO(2) nanocomposites with 0, 15 and 30 wt% of silica were obtained by copolymerization of ethyl methacrylate, EMA, and hydroxyethyl acrylate, HEA, during the simultaneous acid-catalyzed sol-gel polymerization of tetraethoxysilane, TEOS. A surface modification treatment was applied in order to reduce the induction time for hydroxyapatite (HAp) nucleation, combining a previous NaOH attack to increase the number of surface nucleating sites, and an alternate soaking process in Ca and P solutions to form apatite precursors, prior to the immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The NaOH treatment was not effective by itself in shortening the HAp induction time. It introduced sodium carboxylates in the copolymer but hydrolyzed the silica network excessively, thus reducing the surface nucleating potential of its boundary silanols. Therefore, bioactivity was only due to the surface carboxylate groups of the organic phase. Maybe a controlled dissolution extent of the silica network so as to improve bioactivity could be attained by reducing the duration of the NaOH-treatment. This would be interesting in the hybrid with 30wt% of silica, because its dense silica network is not able to hydrolyze in SBF without any previous treatment, whereas the silica network in the hybrid with 15wt% of silica hydrolyzes at the surface promoting the deposition of HAp. The CaP treatment was able to coat the surfaces of the samples with a calcium phosphate layer within minutes. This amorphous calcium phosphate acted as HAp precursor, skipping the induction period in SBF.

Strontium-based Glass Polyalkenoate Cements for Luting Applications in the Skeleton

Glass Polyalkenoate Cements (GPCs) based on strontium calcium zinc silicate (Sr-Ca-Zn-SiO2) glasses and high molecular weight poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have been shown to exhibit suitable mechanical properties for orthopaedic arthroplasty applications, however for vertebroplasty and other medical luting applications these cements have working and setting times which are unsuitable for such applications. In this study GPCs based on Sr-Ca-Zn-SiO 2 glasses and low molecular weight PAA were evaluated for orthopaedic luting applications. GPCs based on four different glasses; BT100 (0.16CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2), BT101 (0.04SrO, 0.12CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO 2), BT102 (0.08SrO 0.08CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2) and BT103 (0.12SrO 0.04CaO, 0.36ZnO, 0.48SiO2) and two PAAs (MW; 12,700 and 25,700) were examined. These cement formulations exhibited handling properties potentially suitable for luting applications as well as mechanical strengths which were similar to those of trabecular bone. Upon immersion in simulated body fluid, the GPCs showed sustained growth of a calcium phosphate layer on the surface of the cement indicating that these cements were bioactive in nature.

Precipitation of calcium phosphate in the presence of albumin on titanium implants with four different possibly bioactive surface preparations. An in vitro study

The aim of the present study was to compare the nucleating behaviour on four types of bioactive surfaces by using the simulated body fluid (SBF) model with the presence albumin. Titanium discs were blasted (B) and then prepared by alkali and heat treatment (AH), anodic oxidation (AO), fluoridation (F), or hydroxyapatite coating (HA). The discs were immersed in SBF with 4.5 mg/ml albumin for 3 days, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks and analysed with scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Topographic surface characterisation was performed with a contact stylus profilometer. The results demonstrated that the bioactive surfaces initiated an enhanced calcium phosphate (CaP) formation and a more rapid increase of protein content was present on the bioactive surfaces compared to the blasted control surface. The observation was present on all bioactive surfaces. The fact that there was a difference between the bioactive surfaces and the blasted control surface with respect to precipitation of CaP and protein content on the surfaces support the fact that there may be biochemical advantages in vivo by using a bioactive surface.

Injectable bioactive calcium-magnesium phosphate cement for bone regeneration

Novel injectable and degradable calcium-magnesium phosphate cement (CMPC) with rapid-setting characteristic was developed by the introduction of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) into calcium phosphate cement (CPC). The calcium-magnesium phosphate cement prepared under the optimum P/L ratio exhibited good injectability and desired workability. It could set within 10 min at 37 degrees C in 100% relative humidity and the compressive strength could reach 47 MPa after setting for 48 h, indicating that the prepared cement has relatively high initial mechanical strength. The results of in vitro degradation experiments demonstrated the good degradability of the injectable CMPC, and its degradation rate occurred significantly faster than that of pure CPC in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. It can be concluded that the novel injectable calcium-magnesium phosphate cement is highly promising for a wide variety of clinical applications, especially for the development of minimally invasive techniques.

In vitro corrosion and biocompatibility of binary magnesium alloys

As bioabsorbable materials, magnesium alloys are expected to be totally degraded in the body and their biocorrosion products not deleterious to the surrounding tissues. It's critical that the alloying elements are carefully selected in consideration of their cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility. In the present study, nine alloying elements Al, Ag, In, Mn, Si, Sn, Y, Zn and Zr were added into magnesium individually to fabricate binary Mg-1X (wt.%) alloys. Pure magnesium was used as control. Their mechanical properties, corrosion properties and in vitro biocompatibilities (cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility) were evaluated by SEM, XRD, tensile test, immersion test, electrochemical corrosion test, cell culture and platelet adhesion test. The results showed that the addition of alloying elements could influence the strength and corrosion resistance of Mg. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that Mg-1Al, Mg-1Sn and Mg-1Zn alloy extracts showed no significant reduced cell viability to fibroblasts (L-929 and NIH3T3) and osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1); Mg-1Al and Mg-1Zn alloy extracts indicated no negative effect on viabilities of blood vessel related cells, ECV304 and VSMC. It was found that hemolysis and the amount of adhered platelets decreased after alloying for all Mg-1X alloys as compared to the pure magnesium control. The relationship between the corrosion products and the in vitro biocompatibility had been discussed and the suitable alloying elements for the biomedical applications associated with bone and blood vessel had been proposed.

Radio frequency plasma treatments on titanium for enhancement of bioactivity

Titanium and its alloys, when treated in alkali solutions, are able to form calcium phosphate coatings on their surface after immersion in supersaturated solutions. In this study, the surfaces of titanium alloy discs were modified by an alkali treatment and a radio frequency (RF) plasma procedure (150 W and 13.56 MHz) in N(2), CO(2) or N(2)/O(2) (80/20%) atmospheres. After the alkali treatment, atomic force microscopy showed differences in the surface roughness of the samples. X-ray photoelectron microscopy indicated that the chemical composition of the surfaces changed after the different alkali and RF plasma treatments. The contact angles were also modified by approximately 5 degrees , making the original titanium surface more hydrophilic. Immersion in a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution was used to evaluate the bioactivity of the RF plasma-treated samples in vitro. Alkali-treated samples gave more homogeneous and thick coatings that those without alkali treatment. The use of RF plasma treatments enhanced the bioactivity of the samples, in particular for treatments performed in N(2) or N(2)/O(2) atmospheres. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that coatings had Ca/P ratios between the values of octacalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of these two phases in most of the coatings. This study shows that an RF plasma treatment enhanced the bioactivity of titanium surfaces.

Dissolution characteristics of extrusion freeformed hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds

The dissolution behaviour of calcium phosphate filaments made by extrusion freeforming for hard tissue scaffolds was measured. The solubility of filaments with different HA/beta-TCP ratios sintered at temperatures from 1,100 to 1,300 degrees C was measured under simulated physiological conditions (tris buffer solution: tris(hydroxyl) methyl-aminomethane-HCl), pH 7.4, 37 degrees C). Calcium and phosphate concentrations were measured separately by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy. Surface morphologies and composition before and after immersion were analyzed by SEM and EDS. The results clearly show that as the beta-TCP content increased, the dissolution increased. Higher sintering temperatures, with consequent closure of surface pores, resulted in lower dissolution. Examination of the surface suggested dissolution on preferred sites by pitting.

Correlations between the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of the Ti/HA composites fabricated by a powder metallurgy method

Ti/HA composites were successfully prepared by a powder metallurgy method and the effect of phase composition on the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of the Ti/HA composites was investigated in the present study. The correlations between the in vitro and in vivo biological behaviors were highlighted. The results showed that the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of the Ti/HA composites was dependent on their phase composition. The in vitro bioactivity of the Ti/HA composites was evaluated in simulated body fluid with ion concentrations similar to those of human plasma. After immersion in the simulated body fluid for a certain time, apatite precipitations formed on the surface of the composites with an initial titanium content of 50 and 70 wt.%, and no apatite was found on the surface of the composite with 30% titanium. Ti(2)O was responsible for the apatite formation on the surfaces of the composites. For in vivo analysis, Ti/HA cylinders were implanted in the metaphases of the rabbit femur. At the early stage of implantation, the new bone formed on the surface of the composite with 30% titanium was much less than that on the surfaces of the composites with 50% and 70% titanium. All the Ti/HA composites formed a chemical bone-bonding interface with the host bone by 6 months after implantation. The Ti/HA composites formed the bone-bonding interface with the surrounding bone through an apatite layer. The results in the present study suggested that the in vivo results agreed well with the in vitro results.

Self-setting bioactive calcium-magnesium phosphate cement with high strength and degradability for bone regeneration

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has been successfully used in clinics as bone repair biomaterial for many years. However, poor mechanical properties and a low biodegradation rate limit any further applications. Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is characterized by fast setting, high initial strength and relatively rapid degradation in vivo. In this study, MPC was combined with CPC to develop novel calcium-magnesium phosphate cement (CMPC). The setting time, compressive strength, phase composition of hardened cement, degradation in vitro, cells responses in vitro by MG-63 cell culture and tissue responses in vivo by implantation of CMPC in bone defect of rabbits were investigated. The results show that CMPC has a shorter setting time and markedly better mechanical properties than either CPC or MPC. Moreover, CMPC showed significantly improved degradability compared to CPC in simulated body fluid. Cell culture results indicate that CMPC is biocompatible and could support cell attachment and proliferation. To investigate the in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenesis, the CMPC samples were implanted into bone defects in rabbits. Histological evaluation showed that the introduction of MPC into CPC enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation. CMPC also exhibited good biocompatibility, biodegradability and osteoconductivity with host bone in vivo. The results obtained suggest that CMPC, having met the basic requirements of bone tissue engineering, might have a significant clinical advantage over CPC, and may have the potential to be applied in orthopedic, reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery.

Application of New Statistical Approach to Study Drug Release from OCP Coating on Titanium Sheets

In this study, commercially pure titanium (Ti-cp) discs were used as substrates. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) layers were deposited by immersion of Ti-cp discs up to 7 days into Solution for Bioactivity Evaluation (SBE) and characterized by SEM-EDS and XRD. The OCP coatings were doped with cephazolin or cefalexin by individual immersion in 300 ppm of each solution for 24 h at room temperature. The non-existence of mathematical models to explain drug release from these matrixes made the choosing of correct model, a complex process. Five non-linear mathematical methods were employed in order to identify the possible drug release mechanism using Akaike and Bayesian Information Criterion (AIC and BIC respectively) and its derivatives. The best model was Peppas & Sahlin that consider two stages in release: pure diffusion in first stage, and drug dissolution and migration through the porous matrix at second stage.

The Surface Property of Hydroxyapatite: Sensing with Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) sensor, available for quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) technique, has been fabricated by an electrophoretic deposition method. The method of re-usability of the sensor after adsorption of fibrinogen and the biological apatite (BAp) growth on the sensor with and without the adsorption of feral bovine serum (FBS) from 1.5 simulated body fluid were investigated. The re-usability of the sensor, cleaning with the combination of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide mixture and UV/ozone treatment, achieved ten times reuses. BAp was grown on the HAp surface but not on the gold surface at 37.5 oC for 40 hours. The viscoelastic property (DD/Df value) of the BAp layer on the HAp sensor showed harder than that of the protein adsorption films from FBS. The amount of the BAp grown on the HAp sensor adsorbed FBS is lower than that on the HAp sensor. The adsorption of FBS proteins on the HAp surface strongly inhibited the BAp growth.

Porous Silk Fibroin Membrane as a Potential Scaffold for Bone Regeneration

The requirements for scaffolds for bone tissue engineering include appropriate chemistry, morphology and structure to promote cell adhesion and synthesis of new bone matrix. Silk fibroin (SF) represents an important biomaterial for biomedical application, due to its suitable mechanical properties, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and versatility in processing. Our group has developed a new method to obtain a porous SF membrane, and the study of its potential for use as a scaffold for bone regeneration was the aim of this study. Porous membranes were obtained from SF solution, through the compression of a material generated by phase separation. For in vitro calcification experiments, porous SF membrane samples were immersed in SBF at pH 7.4 placed in polyethylene flasks. The experiments were carried out for seven days, at 36.5±0.5 °C. After 48 and 96h, the solutions were changed for fresh SBF with the ion concentration 1.5-fold higher than that of the standard one, to accelerate the calcification process. The characterization of morphology and composition of samples was performed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The SEM micrographs indicated that the porous SF membranes presented calcium phosphate deposits after undergoing in vitro calcification. These results were confirmed by EDS spectra, which showed a stoichiometric molar Ca/P ratio ranging from 1.27 to 1.52. This fact may suggest that calcification deposits consisted of mixtures of HAP (Ca/P ratio = 1.67) and transient HAP precursor phases, such as octacalcium phosphate (Ca/P = 1.33) and dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (Ca/P = 1), indicating early stage mineralization. The porous silk fibroin membrane analysed in the current study is a promising material to be used as scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Gentamicin Sulphate Release from Bioactive Ceramic Calcium Silicates

Gentamicin sulphate was mixed with two different sol-gel derived calcium silicates (akermanite or wollastonite). Each of the mixtures was isostatically pressed. Samples were immersed in simulated body fluid for 21 days. The presence of the antibiotic showed no effect on the in vitro bioactivity of the ceramics. For evaluating the gentamicin sulphate release, samples were immersed in a phosphate buffered saline solution for different periods of time. Most of the gentamicin sulphate was released during the first 7 days. However, akermanite showed a lower antibiotic release rate than that observed for wollastonite.

In vitro degradation of poly-L-D-lactic acid (PLDLA) pellets and powder used as synthetic alloplasts for bone grafting

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro degradation of pellet and powder forms of a poly-L-D-lactic acid material used to produce plates and screws for orthopedic, oral, and maxillofacial applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to produce the powder form the as-received pellets were milled in a cryogenic chamber. Particles size distribution (PSD) histograms were developed for both forms. The materials were then characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) before and after immersion in simulated body fluid for 30, 60, and 90 days.

RESULTS

SEM showed that for both forms material degradation started after 30 days of immersion in SBF and evolved until 90 days. Degradation started at the amorphous zones of the polymer and exposed of deeper crystalline layers. The pellet and powder samples PSD showed polydispersed patterns with mean diameters of 673.98 microm and 259.55 microm. Thermal onset degradation temperatures were 365.64 degrees C and 360.30 degrees C, and of 363.49 degrees C and 359.83 degrees C before immersion and after 90 days in SBF for the pellet and powder forms, respectively. The Tg's of the pellets and the powder were approximately 61.5 degrees C and 66 degrees C, and their respective endothermic peaks were observed at approximately 125 degrees C and 120 degrees C. The specific heat (c) was approximately 8.5 J/g and 6.2 J/g for the pellet and powder material, respectively.

CONCLUSION

According to the results obtained, cryogenic milling resulted in particle plastic deformation, and alterations in glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and specific heat of the material.

In vitro degradation, bioactivity, and cytocompatibility of calcium silicate, dimagnesium silicate, and tricalcium phosphate bioceramics

CaSiO3 (CS) ceramics have been regarded as a potential bioactive material for bone regeneration. Mg2SiO4 (M2S) ceramic has been reported as a novel bioceramic with higher mechanical properties and good biocompatibility recently. beta-Ca2(PO4)2 (beta-TCP) ceramic is a well-known bioactive and degradable material for bone repair. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effect of three bioceramics with different chemical composition on the in vitro degradation, apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid (SBF) and cytocompatibility. The degradation was evaluated through the activation energy of Si or P ion released from ceramics and the weight loss of the ceramics in Tris-HCl buffer solution. Formation of bone-like apatite on different bioceramic surfaces was investigated in SBF. The presence of bone-like apatite layer on the material surface after soaking in SBF was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The effect of ionic products from the three kinds of material dissolution on osteoblast-like cell proliferation was investigated. The results showed that the degradation rate of CS was much faster than that of beta-TCP and M2S ceramics. Apatite formation occurred on the CS ceramics quickly. However, it was less likely to occur on the surfaces of beta-TCP and M2S ceramics. The ionic products from extracts of CS and M2S could stimulate osteoblast-like cell proliferation at certain concentration range throughout the 6-day culture period.

UV-enhanced bioactivity and cell response of micro-arc oxidized titania coatings

Using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of micro-arc oxidized (MAO) titania coating in distilled water for 0.5 and 2h, we have achieved an enhanced bioactivity and cell response to titania surface. The MAO coating appears porous and predominantly consists of nanocrystallized anatase TiO(2). Compared with the MAO coating, the UV-irradiated coatings do not exhibit any obvious change in surface roughness, morphology, grain size and phase component; however, they have more abundant basic Ti-OH groups and become more hydrophilic because the water contact angle decreases significantly from 17.9+/-0.8 degrees to 0 degrees . In simulated body fluid (SBF), bonelike apatite-forming ability is significantly stronger on the UV-irradiated coatings than the MAO coating. SaOS-2 human osteoblast-like cell attachment, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase of the cell are greater on the UV-irradiated coatings relative to the MAO coating. UV irradiation of titania results in the conversion of Ti(4+) to Ti(3+) and the generation of oxygen vacancies, which could react with the absorbed water to form basic Ti-OH groups. The enhanced bioactivity and cell response of the UV-irradiated coatings are proven to result from abundant Ti-OH groups on the coating surfaces. After storing the UV-irradiated coatings in the dark for two weeks, the basic Ti-OH groups on the coatings slightly decrease in amount and can induce apatite formation after a short period of SBF immersion, and show relative long-term stability.

Preparation and in vitro characterization of scaffolds of poly(L-lactic acid) containing bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles

Porous nanocomposite scaffolds of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) containing different quantities of bioactive glass ceramic (BGC) nanoparticles (SiO(2):CaO:P(2)O(5) approximately 55:40:5 (mol)) were prepared by a thermally induced phase-separation method. Dioxane was used as the solvent for PLLA. Introduction of less than 20wt.% of BGC nanoparticles did not remarkably affect the porosity of PLLA foam. However, as the BGC content increased to 30wt.%, the porosity of the composite was observed to decrease rapidly. The compressive modulus of the scaffolds increased from 5.5 to 8.0MPa, while the compressive strength increased from 0.28 to 0.35MPa as the BGC content increased from 0 to 30wt.%. The in vitro bioactivity and biodegradability of nanocomposites were investigated by incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) and phosphate-buffered saline, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to monitor the surface variation of neat PLLA and PLLA/BGC porous scaffolds during incubation. PLLA/(20wt.%)BGC composite exhibited the best mineralization property in SBF, while the PLLA/(10wt.%)BGC composite showed the highest water absorption ability.

Synthesis of bioactive HEMA-MPS-CaCl2 hybrid gels: effects of catalysts in the sol-gel processing on mechanical properties and in vitro hydroxyapatite formation in a simulated body fluid

We investigated synthetic conditions for the fabrication of bioactive hybrid gels from monomers of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) in combination with CaCl(2), at a starting molar ratio of HEMA: MPS : CaCl(2) of 9 : 1 : 1. Hydroxyapatite formation, essential to show bone bonding, was observed on the HEMA- MPS-CaCl( 2) hybrid gels with the added catalysts NH(3) or HCl with a molar ratio to MPS of 0.1, but not on the hybrid gel with HCl at a molar ratio to MPS of 1. The mechanical properties of the gels were dependent on the catalysts, which may affect the microstructures that develop during sol-gel processing.

Comparison of in vitro and in vivo Bioactivity of SrO—CaO—ZnO—SiO2 Glass Grafts

A range of calcium—strontium—zinc—silicate glass grafts are developed. Following characterization, their ability to form an apatite layer in simulated body fluid (SBF) is evaluated. Concurrently, their in vivo biocompatibility is determined. These glasses are incapable of forming an apatite layer in SBF. However, in vivo, each glass is well tolerated with new bone formation apparent in close apposition to implanted particles and no evidence of an inflammatory response. Such results are contrary to much of the literature and indicate that forecasting a materials ability to bond to bone based on SBF experiments may provide a false negative result.

Bioactive Composites Consisting of PEEK and Calcium Silicate Powders

Bioactive bone-repairing materials with mechanical properties analogous to those of natural bone can be obtained through the combination of bioactive ceramic fillers with organic polymers. Previously, we developed novel bioactive microspheres in a binary CaO—SiO2 system produced through a sol—gel process as filler for the fabrication of composites. In this study, we fabricate bioactive composites in which polyetheretherketone is reinforced with 0—50 vol% 30CaO · 70SiO2 (CS) microspheres. The prepared composites reinforced with CS particles form hydroxyapatite on their surfaces in simulated body fluid. The induction periods of hydroxyapatite formation on the composites decrease with increasing amount of CS particles. The mechanical properties of the composites are evaluated by three-point bending test. The composites reinforced with 20 vol% CS particles show 123.5 MPa and 6.43 GPa in bending strength and Young’s modulus, respectively.

Study on physicochemical properties and in vitro bioactivity of tricalcium silicate-calcium carbonate composite bone cement

In this article, a novel bone cement composed of tricalcium silicate (Ca(3)SiO(5); C(3)S) and calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) was prepared with the weight percent of CaCO(3) in the range of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%. The initial setting time was dramatically reduced from 90 to 45 min as the content of CaCO(3) increased from 0 to 40%, and the workable paste with a liquid/powder (L/P) ratio of 0.8 ml/g could be injected between 2 and 20 min (nozzle diameter 2.0 mm). The composite cement showed higher mechanical strength (24-27 MPa) than that of the pure Ca(3)SiO(5) paste (14-16 MPa). Furthermore, the composite cement could induce apatite formation and degrade in the phosphate buffered saline. The results indicated that the Ca(3)SiO(5)-CaCO(3) paste had better hydraulic properties than pure Ca(3)SiO(5) paste, and also the composite cement was bioactive and degradable. The novel bone cement could be a potential candidate as a bone substitute.

In vivo response of bioactive PMMA-based bone cement modified with alkoxysilane and calcium acetate

The use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based bone cement is popular in orthopedics for the fixation of artificial joints with bone. However, it has a major problem with prostheses loosening because of coverage by fibrous tissue after long-term implantation. Recently, a bioactive bone cement has been developed that shows direct bonding to living bone through modification of PMMA resin with gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and calcium acetate. The cement is designed to exhibit bioactivity, through incorporation of silanol groups and calcium ions. Thus, it has the potential to form a layer of bone-like hydroxyapatite, which is essential for achieving direct bonding to living bone. This type of modification allows the cement to show spontaneous hydroxyapatite formation on its surface in a simulated body fluid after one day, and there is evidence of osteoconduction of the cement in rabbit tibia for periods of more than three weeks. However, the influence of the dissolved ions from the modified cement has not yet been clarified. Thus, the authors focused on the dissolution of the modified PMMA-based bone cement and its tissue response in muscle and bone by comparison with the behavior of non-modified PMMA-based bone cement. One week after implantation in the latissimus dorsi of a rabbit, the modified PMMA-based bone cement showed more inflammatory width than the commercial cement. However, four weeks after implantation, the inflammatory width of both cements was essentially the same. The osteoconductivity around the modified cement was higher than that for the conventional cement after four weeks implantation. These results indicate that the initial dissolution of calcium acetate from the modified cement to form the hydroxyapatite induced the acute inflammation around tissue, but also developed the osteoconductivity. It is suggested that the initial inflammation can be effective for inducing osteoconduction through a bone healing reaction when the material provides an environment that promotes bone formation.

Fabrication and in vitro characterization of magnetic hydroxycarbonate apatite coatings with hierarchically porous structures

Hydroxycarbonate apatite/Fe(3)O(4) composite coatings (MHACs) with hierarchically porous structures were fabricated by electrophoretic deposition of CaCO(3)/Fe(3)O(4) particles on Ti6Al4V substrates followed by treatment with phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at 37 degrees C. The effects of Fe(3)O(4) on the conversion rate of calcium carbonate to hydroxycarbonate apatite and the porous structures and in vitro bioactivity of MHACs were investigated. After soaking CaCO(3)/Fe(3)O(4) coatings in PBS, hydroxycarbonate apatite nucleates heterogeneously on the surfaces of CaCO(3)/Fe(3)O(4) particles and forms a plate-like structure. Fe(3)O(4) increases the velocity of nucleus formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite. After soaking for 1day, the percentage of unreacted calcium carbonate for MHACs is approximately 9.1%, lower than the approximately 41.0% for hydroxycarbonate apatite coatings (HCACs). As the CaCO(3)/Fe(3)O(4) coatings are converted to MHACs, macropores with a pore size of approximately 4mum on the coatings and mesopores with a pore size of approximately 3.9nm within the hydroxycarbonate apatite plates are formed. The mesopores remain in the MHACs after treatment with PBS for 9 days, while they disappear in the HCACs. Simulated body fluid immersion tests reveal that Fe(3)O(4) improves the in vitro bioactivity of biocoatings. The amount of bone-like apatite precipitated on the surfaces of MHACs is greater than that on the surfaces of HCACs.

Effect of ionic activity products on the structure and composition of mineral self assembled on three-dimensional poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds

A biomimetic approach involving the self-assembly of mineral within the pores of three-dimensional porous polymer scaffolds is a promising strategy to integrate advantages of inorganic and organic phases into a single material for hard tissue engineering. Such a material enhances the ability of progenitor cells to differentiate down an osteoblast lineage in vitro and in vivo, compared with polymer scaffolds. The mechanisms regulating mineral formation in this one-step process, however, are poorly understood, especially the effects of ionic activity products (IP) of the mineralizing solution and incubation time. The aims of this study were to define the structure and composition of mineral formed within the pores of biodegradable polymer scaffolds as a function of IP and time. Three-dimensional poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds were fabricated by solvent casting/particulate leaching and incubated for 4-16 days in six variants of simulated body fluid whose IPs were varied by adjusting ionic concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the formation of carbonated apatite with sub-micrometer sized crystals that grew into spherical globules extending out of the scaffold pore surfaces. As IP increased, more mineral grew on the scaffold pore surfaces, but the apatite became less crystalline and the Ca/P molar ratio decreased from 1.63 +/- 0.005 to 1.51 +/- 0.002. Since morphology, composition, and structure of mineral are factors that affect cell function, this study demonstrates that the IP of the mineralizing solution is an important modulator of material properties, potentially leading to enhanced control of cell function.

Functionally graded bioactive glass coating on magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) for enhanced biocompatibility

The coating of magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) with a bioactive glass was investigated for enhancing the bioactivity and bone-bonding ability of Mg-PSZ orthopedic implants. Individual coatings of three different bioactive glasses were prepared by depositing a concentrated suspension of the glass particles on Mg-PSZ substrates, followed by sintering at temperatures between 750 degrees C and 850 degrees C. Two silicate-based glass compositions (designated 13-93 and 6P68), and a borosilicate glass composition (H12) were investigated. The microstructure and adhesive strength of the coatings were characterized, and the in vitro bioactivity of the glasses was compared by measuring their conversion kinetics to hydroxyapatite in an aqueous phosphate solution at 37 degrees C. The 6P68 glass provided the highest adhesive strength (40 +/- 2 MPa) but showed very limited bioactivity, whereas the H12 glass had lower adhesive strength (18 +/- 2 MPa) but the highest bioactivity. A functionally graded coating, consisting of a 6P68 interfacial layer and an H12 surface layer, was developed to provide a coating with high adhesive strength coupled with rapid in vitro bioactivity.

Apatite-forming ability of polyglutamic acid hydrogels in a body-simulating environment

Artificial joints can replace damaged joints provided the surrounding bone is sufficiently dense. However, elderly patients generally have reduced osteoporosis-associated bone density. Therefore, restitution of bone density is essential to ensure implantation. Injectable and resorbable bioactive fillers with bone-bonding ability (osteoconductivity) are promising, as osteoporosis can be reversed with minimal invasion. Osteoconduction occurs through the surface formation of biologically active hydroxyapatite via reactions with body fluids. Heterogeneous nucleation of the hydroxyapatite is catalysed by specific surface functional groups. In addition, release of Ca2+ ions into the surrounding fluids enhances apatite nucleation by increasing its degree of supersaturation. We tested injectable bioactive filler made from cross-linked polyglutamic acid (PGA). This has many carboxyl groups that facilitate apatite nucleation. An insoluble hydrogel can be formed by cross-linkage. We exposed PGA gels to a simulated body fluid for 7 days. Trace amounts of calcium phosphate were formed, but were not identified as bone-like apatite by X-ray diffraction. However, formation of a bone-like apatite layer was detected using pre-treatment with CaCl2 solutions (>0.01 mol dm(-3)) dose dependently. Thus, this chemically cross-linked PGA gel could induce the heterogeneous nucleation of hydroxyapatite in a body environment, and this was enhanced by pre-treatment with CaCl2.

Effect of Sodium Carbonate Solution on Self-setting Properties of Tricalcium Silicate Bone Cement

In this study, the effects of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3 ) solution with different concentrations (10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) as liquid phase on the setting time and compressive strength of tricalcium silicate bone cements are investigated. The in vitro bioactivity and degradability of the resultant Ca3SiO5-Na2CO3 solution paste was also studied. The results indicate that as the concentration of Na2CO3 solution varies from 0 to 25 wt%, the initial and final setting time of the cement decrease significantly from 90 to 20 min and from 180 to 45min, respectively. After setting for 24 h, the compressive strength of Ca3SiO5-Na2CO3 solution paste reaches 5.1MPa, which is significantly higher than that of Ca 3SiO5-water cement system. The in vitro bioactivity of the cements is investigated by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days. The results show that the Ca3SiO5-Na2CO 3 solution bone cement has a good bioactivity and can degrade in Ringer's solution. The results indicate that Na2CO3 solution as a liquid phase significantly improves the self-setting properties of Ca 3SiO5 cement as compared to water. The Ca3SiO 5 cement paste prepared using Na2CO3 solution shows good bioactivity and moderate degradability, and the Ca3SiO 5-Na2CO3 solution system may be used as degradable and bioactive bone defect filling materials.

Oxide-dependent adsorption of a model membrane phospholipid, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine: bulk adsorption isotherms

The importance of substrate chemistry and structure on supported phospholipid bilayer design and functionality is only recently being recognized. Our goal is to investigate systematically the substrate-dependence of phospholipid adsorption with an emphasis on oxide surface chemistry and to determine the dominant controlling forces. We obtained bulk adsorption isotherms at 55 degrees C for dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) at pH values of 5.0, 7.2, and 9.0 and at two ionic strengths with and without Ca(2+), on quartz (alpha-SiO(2)), rutile (alpha-TiO(2)), and corundum (alpha-Al(2)O(3)), which represent a wide a range of points of zero charge (PZC). Adsorption was strongly oxide- and pH-dependent. At pH 5.0, adsorption increased as quartz < rutile approximately corundum, while at pH 7.2 and 9.0, the trend was quartz approximately rutile < corundum. Adsorption decreased with increasing pH (increasing negative surface charge), although adsorption occurred even at pH > or = PZC of the oxides. These trends indicate that adsorption is controlled by attractive van der Waals forces and further modified by electrostatic interactions of oxide surface sites with the negatively charged phosphate ester (-R(PO(4)-)R'-) portion of the DPPC headgroup. Also, the maximum observed adsorption on negatively charged oxide surfaces corresponded to roughly two bilayers, whereas significantly higher adsorption of up to four bilayers occurred on positively charged surfaces. Calcium ions promote adsorption beyond a second bilayer, regardless of the sign of oxide surface charge. We develop a conceptual model for the structure of the electric double layer to explain these observations.