Characterization of mineralized collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds for bone regeneration

Mineralized collagen–glycosaminoglycan scaffolds designed for bone regeneration have been synthesized via triple co-precipitation in the absence of a titrant phase. Here, we characterize the microstructural and mechanical properties of these newly developed scaffolds with 50 and 75 wt.% mineral content. The 50 wt.% scaffold had an equiaxed pore structure with isotropic mechanical properties and a Ca–P-rich mineral phase comprised of brushite; the 75 wt.% scaffold had a bilayer structure with a pore size varying in the through-thickness direction and a mineral phase comprised of 67% brushite and 33 wt.% monetite. The compressive stress–strain response of the scaffolds was characteristic of low-density open-cell foams with distinct linear elastic, collapse plateau and densification regimes. The elastic modulus and strength of individual struts within the scaffolds were measured using an atomic force microscopy cantilevered beam-bending technique and compared with the composite response under indentation and unconfined compression. Cellular solids models, using the measured strut properties, overestimated the overall mechanical properties for the scaffolds; the discrepancy arises from defects such as disconnected pore walls within the scaffold. As the scaffold stiffness and strength decreased with increasing overall mineral content and were less than that of natural, mineralized collagen scaffolds, these microstructural/mechanical relations will be used to further improve scaffold design for bone regeneration applications.     

Micro-finite element models of bone tissue-engineering scaffolds

Tissue engineering is an emerging area in bioengineering at the frontiers between biomaterials, biology and biomechanics. The basic knowledge of the interactions between mechanical stimuli, cells and biomaterials is growing but the quantitative effect of mechanical stimuli on cells attached to biomaterials is still unknown. The objective of this study was to develop finite element models of various bone scaffolds based on calcium phosphate in order to calculate the load transfer from the biomaterial structure to the biological entities. Samples of porous calcium phosphate bone cement and biodegradable glass were scanned using micro-CT to determine the overall macroporosity, architecture and to develop finite element models of such materials. Compressive loads were applied on the models to simulate the in vitro environment of a bioreactor and stress and strain distributions were calculated. It was found that the effective Young's modulus was linearly related to the sample macroporosity. Results suggest that a 0.5% overall compressive strain can produce internal strain of the same order of magnitude as found in previous in vitro mechanically cell-strained studies or in mechanoregulation studies. Stress and strain concentrations due to the porous structures are possible candidate for favouring cell differentiation. Although strain distributions were similar between bone cement and porous glass, the stress distribution is clearly different. Future in vitro results could correlate the results obtained with such finite element study to explain the influence of mechanical stimuli on cell behaviour.     

磷酸钙及硫酸钙支架在骨组织工程中的研究进展

BACKGROUND: It is a hotspot that calcium phosphate and calcium sulphate as the main ingredients are combined with one or more other materials to improve or increase the performance of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. OBJECTIVE: To introduce the research advance of these two kinds of scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. METHODS: The articles related to the bone tissue engineering published during January 2000 to June 2015 were retrieved from CNKI and PubMed databases by computer. The key words were “bone tissue engineering, scaffold, calcium phosphate, calcium sulphate, vascularization” in Chinese and English, respectively. ESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate are characterized as having good biocompatibility, biodegradability, osteoconductivity and complete bone substitutability. However, single use of calcium phosphate or calcium sulfate scaffold has certain disadvantages, both of which are difficult to fully meet the requirements of the bone defect repair. Improvement can be acquired in the mechanical strength, injectability and biodegradability, as well as drug-loading and pro-angiogenesis of the scaffold in combination with other materials. In the basal and clinical research, we should explore and develop ideal scaffolds in on the basis of therapeutic aim. However, most of the scaffold studies are still at the extracorporeal and animal experiment stage, and the comparative studies on composite scaffolds and optimal proportion of those composite scaffolds still need to be further investigated.      

Human bone marrow stem cell-encapsulating calcium phosphate scaffolds for bone repair

Due to its injectability and excellent osteoconductivity, calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is highly promising for orthopedic applications. However, a literature search revealed no report on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) encapsulation in CPC for bone tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to encapsulate hBMSCs in alginate hydrogel beads and then incorporate them into CPC, CPC–chitosan and CPC–chitosan–fiber scaffolds. Chitosan and degradable fibers were used to mechanically reinforce the scaffolds. After 21 days, that the percentage of live cells and the cell density of hBMSCs inside CPC-based constructs matched those in alginate without CPC, indicating that the CPC setting reaction did not harm the hBMSCs. Alkaline phosphate activity increased by 8-fold after 14 days. Mineral staining, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed that apatitic mineral was deposited by the cells. The amount of hBMSC-synthesized mineral in CPC–chitosan–fiber matched that in CPC without chitosan and fibers. Hence, adding chitosan and fibers, which reinforced the CPC, did not compromise hBMSC osteodifferentiation and mineral synthesis. In conclusion, hBMSCs were encapsulated in CPC and CPC–chitosan–fiber scaffolds for the first time. The encapsulated cells remained viable, osteodifferentiated and synthesized bone minerals. These self-setting, hBMSC-encapsulating CPC-based constructs may be promising for bone tissue engineering applications.     

A comparative study of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics for human mesenchymal stem-cell-induced bone formation

For the repair of bone defects, a tissue engineering approach would be to combine cells capable of osteogenic (i.e. bone-forming) activity with an appropriate scaffolding material to stimulate bone regeneration and repair. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), when combined with hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) ceramic scaffolds of the composition 60% HA/40% TCP (in weight %), have been shown to induce bone formation in large, long bone defects. However, full repair or function of the long bone could be limited due to the poor remodeling of the HA/TCP material. We conducted a study designed to determine the optimum ratio of HA to TCP that promoted hMSC induced bone formation yet be fully degradable. In a mouse ectopic model, by altering the composition of HA/TCP to 20% HA/80% TCP, hMSC bone induction occurred at the fastest rate in vivo over the other formulations of the more stable 100% HA, HA/TCP (76/24, 63/37, 56/44), and the fully degradable, 100% TCP. In vitro studies also demonstrated that 20/80 HA/TCP stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs as determined by the expression of osteocalcin.     

Biphasic calcium phosphate nanocomposite porous scaffolds for load-bearing bone tissue engineering

A novel biodegradable nanocomposite porous scaffold comprising a beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) matrix and hydroxyl apatite (HA) nanofibers was developed and studied for load-bearing bone tissue engineering. HA nanofibers were prepared with a biomimetic precipitation method. The composite scaffolds were fabricated by a method combining the gel casting and polymer sponge techniques. The role of HA nanofibers in enhancing the mechanical properties of the scaffold was investigated. Compression tests were performed to measure the compressive strength, modulus and toughness of the porous scaffolds. The identification and morphology of HA nanofibers were determined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of porous scaffolds and fracture surfaces to reveal the dominant toughening mechanisms. The results showed that the mechanical property of the scaffold was significantly enhanced by the inclusion of HA nanofibers. The porous composite scaffold attained a compressive strength of 9.8 +/- 0.3 MPa, comparable to the high-end value (2-10 MPa) of cancellous bone. The toughness of the scaffold increased from 1.00+/-0.04 to 1.72+/-0.02 kN/m, as the concentration of HA nanofibers increased from 0 to 5 wt %.     

3D printing of composite calcium phosphate and collagen scaffolds for bone regeneration

Low temperature 3D printing of calcium phosphate scaffolds holds great promise for fabricating synthetic bone graft substitutes with enhanced performance over traditional techniques. Many design parameters, such as the binder solution properties, have yet to be optimized to ensure maximal biocompatibility and osteoconductivity with sufficient mechanical properties. This study tailored the phosphoric acid-based binder solution concentration to 8.75 wt% to maximize cytocompatibility and mechanical strength, with a supplementation of Tween 80 to improve printing. To further enhance the formulation, collagen was dissolved into the binder solution to fabricate collagen-calcium phosphate composites. Reducing the viscosity and surface tension through a physiologic heat treatment and Tween 80, respectively, enabled reliable thermal inkjet printing of the collagen solutions. Supplementing the binder solution with 1–2 wt% collagen significantly improved maximum flexural strength and cell viability. To assess the bone healing performance, we implanted 3D printed scaffolds into a critically sized murine femoral defect for 9 weeks. The implants were confirmed to be osteoconductive, with new bone growth incorporating the degrading scaffold materials. In conclusion, this study demonstrates optimization of material parameters for 3D printed calcium phosphate scaffolds and enhancement of material properties by volumetric collagen incorporation via inkjet printing.     

Acidic peptide hydrogel scaffolds enhance calcium phosphate mineral turnover into bone tissue

Designed peptides may generate molecular scaffolds in the form of hydrogels to support tissue regeneration. We studied the effect of hydrogels comprising β-sheet-forming peptides rich in aspartic amino acids and of tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)-loaded hydrogels on calcium adsorption and cell culture in vitro, and on bone regeneration in vivo. The hydrogels were found to act as efficient depots for calcium ions, and to induce osteoblast differentiation in vitro. In vivo studies on bone defect healing in rat distal femurs analyzed by microcomputerized tomography showed that the peptide hydrogel itself induced better bone regeneration in comparison to non-treated defects. A stronger regeneration capacity was obtained in bone defects treated with β-TCP-loaded hydrogels, indicating that the peptide hydrogels and the mineral act synergistically to enhance bone regeneration. In vivo regeneration was found to be better with hydrogels loaded with porous β-TCP than with hydrogels loaded with non-porous mineral. It is concluded that biocompatible and biodegradable matrices, rich in anionic moieties that efficiently adsorb calcium ions while supporting cellular osteogenic activity, may efficiently promote β-TCP turnover into bone mineral.     

Fast-setting calcium phosphate scaffolds with tailored macropore formation rates for bone regeneration

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is highly promising for craniofacial and orthopedic repair because of its ability to self-harden in situ to form hydroxyapatite with excellent osteoconductivity. However, its low strength, long hardening time, and lack of macroporosity limit its use. This study aimed to develop fast-setting and antiwashout CPC scaffolds with high strength and tailored macropore formation rates. Chitosan, sodium phosphate, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used to render CPC fast-setting and resistant to washout. Absorbable fibers and mannitol porogen were incorporated into CPC for strength and macropores for bone ingrowth. Flexural strength, work-of-fracture, and elastic modulus were measured vs. immersion time in a physiological solution. Hardening time (mean +/- SD; n = 6) was 69.5 +/- 2.1 min for CPC-control, 9.3 +/- 2.8 min for CPC-HPMC-mannitol, 8.2 +/- 1.5 min for CPC-chitosan-mannitol, and 6.7 +/- 1.6 min for CPC-chitosan-mannitol-fiber. The latter three compositions were resistant to washout, whereas the CPC-control paste showed washout in a physiological solution. Immersion for 1 day dissolved mannitol and created macropores in CPC. CPC-chitosan-mannitol-fiber scaffold had a strength of 4.6 +/- 1.4 MPa, significantly higher than 1.2 +/- 0.1 MPa of CPC-chitosan-mannitol scaffold and 0.3 +/- 0.2 MPa of CPC-HPMC-mannitol scaffold (Tukey's). The strength of CPC-chitosan-mannitol-fiber scaffold was maintained up to 42 days and then decreased because of fiber degradation. Work-of-fracture and elastic modulus showed similar trends. Long cylindrical macropore channels were formed in CPC after fiber dissolution. The resorbable, fast-setting, anti-washout and strong CPC scaffold should be useful in craniofacial and orthopedic repairs. The novel method of combining fast- and slow-dissolution porogens/fibers to produce scaffolds with high strength and tailored macropore formation rates to match bone healing rates may have wide applicability to other biomaterials.     

Characterization and cytocompatibility of biphasic calcium phosphate/polyamide 6 scaffolds for bone regeneration

Porous scaffolds of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)/polyamide 6 (PA6) with weight ratios of 30/70, 45/55, and 55/45 have been fabricated through a modified thermally induced phase separation technique. The chemical structure properties, macrostructure, and mechanical strength of the scaffolds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing. The results indicated that the BCP/PA6 scaffolds had an interconnected porous structure with a pore size mainly ranging from 100 to 900 μm and many micropores on the rough pore walls. The mechanical property of the scaffold was significantly enhanced by the addition of BCP inorganic fillers. The 55/45 BCP/PA6 composite scaffold with 76.5% ± 2.1% porosity attained a compressive strength of 1.86 ± 0.14 MPa. Moreover, the BCP/PA6 porous scaffold was cultured with rat calvarial osteoblasts to investigate the cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation function (alkaline phosphatase). The type I collagen expression was also used to characterize the differentiation of rat calvarial osteoblasts on BCP/PA6 composite scaffold by immunocytochemistry. The in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation demonstrated that the BCP/PA6 scaffold acted as a good template for the cells adhesion, spreading, growth, and differentiation. These results suggest that the BCP/PA6 porous composite could be a candidate as an excellent substitute for damaged or defect bone.     

A comparative study of calcium phosphate formation on bioceramics in vitro and in vivo

Formation of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) on various bioceramic surfaces in simulated body fluid (SBF) and in rabbit muscle sites was investigated. The bioceramics were sintered porous solids, including bioglass, glass-ceramics, hydroxyapatite, alpha-tricalcium phosphate and beta-tricalcium phosphate. The ability of inducing Ca-P formation was compared among the bioceramics. The Ca-P crystal structures were identified using single-crystal diffraction patterns in transmission electron microscopy. The examination results show that ability of inducing Ca-P formation in SBF was similar among bioceramics, but considerably varied among bioceramics in vivo. Sintered beta-tricalcium phosphate exhibited a poor ability of inducing Ca-P formation both in vitro and in vivo. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) formed on the surfaces of bioglass, A-W, hydroxyapatite and alpha-tricalcium phosphate in vitro and in vivo. Apatite formation in physiological environments cannot be confirmed as a common feature of bioceramics.     

Perfusion electrodeposition of calcium phosphate on additive manufactured titanium scaffolds for bone engineering

A perfusion electrodeposition (P-ELD) system was reported to functionalize additive manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds with a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating in a controlled and reproducible manner. The effects and interactions of four main process parameters - current density (I), deposition time (t), flow rate (f) and process temperature (T) - on the properties of the CaP coating were investigated. The results showed a direct relation between the parameters and the deposited CaP mass, with a significant effect for t (P=0.001) and t-f interaction (P=0.019). Computational fluid dynamic analysis showed a relatively low electrolyte velocity within the struts and a high velocity in the open areas within the P-ELD chamber, which were not influenced by a change in f. This is beneficial for promoting a controlled CaP deposition and hydrogen gas removal. Optimization studies showed that a minimum t of 6 h was needed to obtain complete coating of the scaffold regardless of I, and the thickness was increased by increasing I and t. Energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the deposition of highly crystalline synthetic carbonated hydroxyapatite under all conditions (Ca/P ratio=1.41). High cell viability and cell-material interactions were demonstrated by in vitro culture of human periosteum derived cells on coated scaffolds. This study showed that P-ELD provides a technological tool to functionalize complex scaffold structures with a biocompatible CaP layer that has controlled and reproducible physicochemical properties suitable for bone engineering.     

Micromechanics of bone tissue-engineering scaffolds,based on resolution error-cleared computer tomography

Synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRμCT) revealed the microstructure of a CEL2 glass–ceramic scaffold with macropores of several hundred microns characteristic length, in terms of the voxel-by-voxel 3D distribution of the attenuation coefficients throughout the scanned space. The probability density function of all attenuation coefficients related to the macroporous space inside the scaffold gives access to the tomograph-specific machine error included in the SRμCT measurements (also referred to as instrumental resolution function). After Lorentz function-based clearing of the measured CT data from the systematic resolution error, the voxel-specific attenuation information of the voxels representing the solid skeleton is translated into the composition of the material inside one voxel, in terms of the nanoporosity embedded in a dense CEL2 glass–ceramic matrix. Based on voxel-invariant elastic properties of dense CEL2 glass–ceramic, continuum micromechanics allows for translation of the voxel-specific nanoporosity into voxel-specific elastic properties. They serve as input for Finite Element analyses of the scaffold structure. Young's modulus of a specific CT-scanned macroporous scaffold sample, predicted from a Finite Element simulation of a uniaxial compression test, agrees well with the experimental value obtained from an ultrasonic test on the same sample. This highlights the satisfactory predictive capabilities of the presented approach.     

Analyses of cell growth in tissue-engineering scaffolds

Cell growth is critical to the regeneration of most tissues. Current methods for analyzing cell growth in scaffolds used for tissue engineering are reviewed in the context of their limitations. A mathematical model for analyzing cell growth in scaffolds is presented to highlight the key parameters that govern cell growth. To overcome the diffusion barrier that limits the formation of thicker tissues, strategies to promote better nutrient delivery are discussed.     

Kinetics of in vivo bone deposition by bone marrow stromal cells into porous calcium phosphate scaffolds: an X-ray computed microtomography study

In a typical bone tissue engineering application, osteogenic cells are harvested and seeded on a three-dimensional (3D) synthetic scaffold that acts as guide and stimulus for tissue growth, creating a tissue engineering construct or living biocomposite. Despite the large number of performed experiments in different laboratories, information on the kinetics of bone growth into the scaffolds is still scarce. Highly porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds were investigated before the implantation and after they were seeded with in vitro expanded bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and implanted for 8, 16, or 24 weeks in immunodeficient mice. Synchrotron x-ray computed microtomography (microCT) was used for qualitative and quantitative 3D characterization of the scaffold material and 3D evaluation of tissue engineered bone growth kinetics after in vivo implantation. Experiments were performed taking advantage of a dedicated set up at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF, Grenoble, France), which allowed quantitative imaging at a spatial resolution of about 5 microm. A peculiarity of these experiments was the fact that at first the data were obtained on the different pure scaffolds, then the same scaffolds were seeded by BMSC, implanted, and brought again to ESRF for investigating the formation of new bone. The volume fraction, average thickness, and distribution of the newly formed bone were evaluated as a function of the implantation time. New bone thickness increased from week 8 to week 16, but deposition of new bone was arrested from week 16 to week 24. Instead, mineralization of the newly deposited bone matrix continued up to week 24.     

The addition of biphasic calcium phosphate to porous chitosan scaffolds enhances bone tissue development in vitro

Uniform distribution of cells and their extracellular matrix is essential for the in vivo success of bone tissue engineering constructs produced in vitro. In this study, the effects of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules embedded into chitosan scaffolds on the distribution, morphology, and phenotypic expression of osteoblastic cells were investigated. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and preosteoblasts were cultured on chitosan scaffolds with and without BCP under osteoblastic differentiation/maturation conditions for periods up to 4 weeks. The addition of 25 wt % BCP to chitosan created a uniform layer of calcium phosphate (CaP) precipitation similar to bone mineral on the scaffold surfaces as determined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy. Scaffolds with this CaP layer yielded more uniform and complete cell and ECM distribution than chitosan scaffolds without BCP. The suggestion of chemotaxis in the appearance of this response was confirmed by successive experiments in a Boyden chamber. The CaP layer also altered morphology of cells initially attached to the scaffold surfaces, leading to higher expression of marker proteins of osteoblastic phenotype including alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. The use of chitosan/BCP scaffolds for culture of MSCs and preosteoblasts enhances bone tissue development in vitro.     

Biocompatibility and osteogenicity of degradable Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite scaffolds from calcium phosphate cement for bone tissue engineering

Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) porous scaffolds were successfully fabricated from calcium phosphate cement (CPC) by a particle-leaching method. The morphology, porosity and mechanical strength as well as degradation of the scaffolds were characterized. The results showed that the CDHA scaffolds with a porosity of 81% showed open macropores with pore sizes of 400-500mum. Thirty-six per cent of these CDHA scaffolds were degraded after 12 weeks in Tris-HCl solution. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured, expanded and seeded on the scaffolds, and the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs into osteoblastic phenotype were determined using MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase activity and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the CDHA scaffolds were biocompatible and had no negative effects on the MSCs in vitro. The in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenicity of the scaffolds were investigated. Both CDHA scaffolds and MSC/scaffold constructs were implanted in rabbit mandibles and studied histologically. The results showed that CDHA scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Moreover, the introduction of MSCs into the scaffolds dramatically enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation, especially at the initial stage after implantation (from 2 to 4 weeks). However, the CDHA scaffolds showed as good biocompatibility and osteogenicity as the hybrid ones at 8 weeks. These results indicate that the CDHA scaffolds fulfill the basic requirements of bone tissue engineering scaffold.     

Formation of lung alveolar-like structures in collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds in vitro

The objective of this study was to investigate the histology of tissue formed when fetal rat lung cells were grown in a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) tissue-engineering scaffold. The goal was the formation of lung histotypic structures in the tissue-engineering scaffolds in vitro. Achieving this goal would facilitate future investigations of the effects of selected scaffold design parameters on processes that may underlie aspects of lung regeneration in vivo. Lung cells were obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats after 16 and 19 days of gestation. These dissociated cells were seeded into type I collagen-chondroitin 6-sulfate matrices, 8 mm in diameter by 2 mm in thickness, cross-linked and sterilized by dehydrothermal treatment. Approximately 28 million cells were seeded into each spongelike sample. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were performed at termination periods of 2 days and 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The enzymatically dissociated 19-day gestation fetal rat lung cells formed and maintained alveolar-like structures, 50-60 microm in diameter, in the collagen- GAG scaffold. A novel finding was that all of the cell-seeded scaffolds underwent cell-mediated contraction that appeared to be associated with the finding by immunohistochemistry of expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in some cells. These results demonstrate the capability of dissociated lung cells to form lung histotypic structures in collagen-GAG tissue-engineering scaffolds in vitro. This culture system may be of value in facilitating exploration of strategies for preparing such scaffolds for the regeneration of lung tissue in vivo.     

双相钙磷生物陶瓷/硫酸钙骨水泥多孔三维支架的生物性能

背景：随着组织工程技术的发展,多孔生物陶瓷被越来越多的运用到骨缺损的修复中,当前的研究主要集中在这种生物陶瓷的合成及其各项性能的评价。 目的：研究一种新型骨水泥的制备方法并测定其理化性能及与成骨细胞的生物相容性。 方法：共沉淀法制备双相钙磷生物陶瓷粉体,利用胶体团聚成颗粒,烧结后得到颗粒状、多孔羟基磷灰石/磷酸三钙生物陶瓷,并按不同比例与高纯度医用半水硫酸钙混合制备钙磷陶瓷/硫酸钙骨水泥。 结果与结论：X射线衍射证实合成物质为双相钙磷陶瓷,颗粒状双相钙磷陶瓷具有多孔网状结构,骨水泥在   3 min内保持可塑状态,固化时间为15 min,固化温度为36.5 ℃,压缩强度最高为5.82 MPa,MTT毒性级为0级,成骨细胞在材料表面生长良好。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料;骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性;组织工程全文链接：     

A comparative study of electrochemical deposition and biomimetic deposition of calcium phosphate on porous titanium

Coating porous titanium with calcium phosphate (Ca-P) is an effective way to enhance titanium's osteoinduction capability. This study investigated the effectiveness of two coating methods: biomimetic deposition (BD) and electrochemical deposition (ED) in aqueous solutions. The titanium surfaces were treated by acidic etching and alkaline before coating. Effects of the pre-coating treatments on Ca-P coating were also investigated. Both deposition methods could produce Ca-P coatings on the inner pore surfaces of the titanium. The BD coatings were thicker and more uniform than were the ED coatings. On the other hand, ED was less sensitive to the condition of the titanium surface, and much faster in the coating deposition. However, ED produces less uniform and thinner coating layers on the inner pore surfaces of the titanium than does BD. The crystal structure of the coating is octacalcium phosphate (OCP) regardless of the deposition method. The morphology of flake-like OCP crystals in the deposition layers is similar for both deposition methods, except that the crystal flakes rupture after ED.