Evaluation of 5% Na<sub>2</sub>O-Incorporated Calcium Metaphosphate as a Scaffold for Tissue-Engineered Bone Regeneration

Abstract

As a part of the effort to develop a suitable scaffold for tissue-engineered bone regeneration, we modified calcium metaphosphate (CMP) ceramic with Na20 and evaluated its efficiency as a scaffold. We incorporate 5% Na20 into pure CMP and prepare for an average pore size of 250 or 450 µm average pore sizes. The incorporation of 5% Na2O caused reduced compressive strength and there was no change in biodegradability. The in vitro cellular attachment and proliferation rate, however, were slightly improved. The 5% Na2O-incorporated macroporous CMP ceramic-cell constructs treated with Emdogain induced ectopic bone formation more effectively than those without Emdogain treatment. These results suggest that the incorporation of 5% Na2O into pure CMP is not effective for improving the physical characteristics of pure CMP but it is positive for improving the cellular reaction and osteogenic effect with the addition of Emdogain.