In vivo evaluation of tricalcium phosphate scaffold for cranial prosthesis application

Abstract

Tricalcium phosphate beta phase (β-TCP) is a promising bioceramic that stimulates the formation of bone tissue due to its chemical composition, which is similar to those of bones and teeth, showing promising osseointegration and osteoinduction results. Its main applications are in the regeneration and stimulation of cortical and trabecular bone tissue. β-TCP can be used in the human body in different ways: scaffolds, coatings, or granules. In the present investigation, we analyzed the implant bioactivity effects of a β-TCP scaffold in the skull at different timeslots. The scaffolds were characterized physically and chemically before being implanted in vivo. The authors evaluated possible behavioral consequences in cognitive and motor tests on Wistar rats during the time when the tricalcium phosphate scaffolds were reabsorbed, which stimulated the bone regeneration on the cranial defect. The results of the β-TCP scaffolds as skull implant in rats showed an excellent hydroxyapatite (HA) precipitation on the implant's surface, stimulating new bone formation in the defect zone without affecting the motor and cognitive abilities of the animals' during the six weeks after implantation.