Both silicalite-1/SiC foam and ZSM-5/SiC foam may serve as novel bone replacement materials.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the bioactivity and biocompatibility of silicon carbide (SiC) foam coated with one of two kinds of zeolite. The surface charges, protein adsorption ability and mineralization ability were compared between silicalite-1/SiC foam and ZSM-5/SiC foam. Proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts seeded on two types of materials were significantly higher when compared with uncoated SiC foam after 7 d. There was no significant difference in the bioactivity between silicalite-1/SiC foam and ZSM-5/SiC foam. Silicalite-1/SiC foam and ZSM-5/SiC foam had no cytotoxic effect on primary osteoblasts. These results suggest both silicalite-1/SiC foam and ZSM-5/SiC foam have the potential for use as novel bone replacement materials.