Effect of Silicon-Doped Calcium Phosphate Bone Substitutes on Bone Formation and Osteoblastic Phenotype Expression <i>In Vivo</i>

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of two novel particulate silicon-doped calcium phosphate graft materials as compared to the currently clinically used material β-TCP on osteogenesis and bone formation after implantation in critical-size defects the sheep scapula. These materials were developed in order to create biodegradable bone substitute materials that degrade rapidly, but still stimulate osteogenesis at the same time, thereby resulting in bone repair and regeneration with fully functional bone tissue. All bone substitute materials studied facilitated excellent bony regeneration of critical-size defects in the sheep scapula. Of the three grafting materials studied, the calcium alkali orthophosphate material with the crystalline phase Ca2KNa (PO4)2, with a small amorphous portion containing magnesium potassium phosphate and a small addition of sodium magnesium silicate had the greatest stimulatory effect on bone formation and expression of osteogenic markers, while exhibiting the highest biodegradability.