Analysis of the biocompatibility of magnetic porous tricalcium phosphate ceramics in rat femurs

Summary A new biomaterial, magnetic porous tricalcium phosphate ceramics (MPTCP), may be used for repairing defects in bones as a substitute for bone grafting. This study was designed to examine its biocompatibility and the systemic toxicity. The ceramic sections, approximately 15.3 mg, were implanted into both proximal femurs of 10 male and 10 female albino SW rats. An equal number of male and female animals served as sham-operated controls. Implantation of MPTCP ceramics in rat femurs had no deleterious effects on body weight, organ/body weight ratio, and on blood, liver and kidney functions. Plasma levels of inorganic phosphorus were significantly elevated in rats implanted with MPTCP ceramics. Alkaline phosphatase values in plasma in the experimental group were equal to those in the control group. Photomicrographs, radiographs and scanning electron photomicrographs of the rat femurs implanted with MPTCP ceramics demonstrated excellent bone association with implants and growth of some new bone into MPTCP ceramics. In conclusion, MPTCP ceramics are biocompatible and suitable for the reconstruction of bones.