Characterization of Three Calcium Phosphate Microporous Granulated Bioceramics

Abstract

The calcium phosphate microporous bioceramics, and hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biphasic compositions, in the granular form of microporous biomaterials, are research themes and present potential biomedical applications in rebuilding and repairing maxillofacial bone and tooth structure and in orthopedic applications. This is associated with microstructural characteristics of biocompatibility and bioactivity and osteoconductivity properties that these biomaterials offer when appliedin vivoor in simulated environment. Another differential point of these biomaterials is the solubilization capacity that they present when applied in the biological environment. These compositions of calcium phosphates (hydroxyapatite matrix and/or β-tricalcium phosphate) allow for the gradual release of calcium and phosphate ions for the biological environment, which are absorbed and promote the formation of new bone tissue. These materials are also promising in applications in the field of traumatology as in the repair of traumatized bone tissue and drugs controlled release and bone structure treatments. The favorable results of these biomaterials as bone reconstruction matrix and drugs controlled release are associated with crystallographic characteristics, morphology, surface and solubility that these biomaterials present when in contact with body fluids. This work aimed to describe three types of calcium phosphate microporous granulated biomaterials. The biomaterials used were provided by the Biomaterials Group from Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina - UDESC and are: hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate and biphasic composition 60% hydroxyapatite/40% β-tricalcium phosphate. The Scanning Electron Microscopy technique (SEM) was used for carrying out the morphological characterization and microstructure studies of granulated biomaterials. The X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) served for characterization of crystalline phases. Arthur Method was used for determining open porosity and hydrostatic density of biomaterials. The BET technique served to support determination of the surface area of microporous granulated biomaterials. The results are encouraging and show that these biomaterials present promising morphological characteristics and microporous microstructure as wettability and capillarity. These characteristics may contribute to biomaterial osteointegration by new tissue, bone formation and mineralization process.