Phosphate Block Research Articles

Fabrication of silica-substituted carbonate apatite blocks through phase transformation process from silica-substituted octacalcium phosphate blocks

Fabrication of silica-substituted carbonate apatite blocks through phase transformation process from silica-substituted octacalcium phosphate blocks

Fabrication and mechanical properties of newly developed triphasic blocks composed of gypsum-brushite-monetite for bone graft applications

ObjectiveA triphasic bone graft block composed of gypsum, brushite, and monetite is expected to be better for regenerating bone than a gypsum-hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate block. Therefore, the aim of this study was to fabricate and evaluate the mechanical properties of a newly developed triphasic block composed of gypsum, brushite, and monetite. Materials and methodTriphasic blocks were prepared by mixing calcium sulfate hemihydrate, brushite, and monetite powders with distilled water at a powder-to-liquid ratio of 0.5. The content of calcium sulfate hemihydrate was fixed at 50%, and the contents of brushite and monetite powders were varied. After molding and setting, the obtained blocks were characterized, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. ResultsThe triphasic blocks were prepared and could maintain their shape without collapsing. The XRD characterization of the obtained triphasic blocks showed that only three phases existed in the block. Calcium sulfate hemihydrate was transformed into its dihydrate form and provided mechanical strength to the block through a setting mechanism. The transformation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate into its dihydrate crystals formed an interlocked structure that was disrupted in triphasic blocks, as observed in SEM images. The disruption of the interlocked structure resulted in lower mechanical strength of the obtained triphasic blocks compared to the set gypsum control. The variation in brushite and monetite composition did not affect the mechanical properties of the triphasic blocks. ConclusionThe triphasic gypsum-brushite-monetite block was successfully prepared, and no other crystal phases were found. The triphasic blocks could maintain their shape after setting. The addition of brushite and monetite powders disrupted the interlocked structure of the set gypsum crystal, resulting in a decrease in mechanical strength. Furthermore, the variation in brushite and monetite powders did not affect the mechanical properties of the triphasic blocks.

Ionic insertion fabrication of novel octacalcium phosphate block materials exhibiting antibacterial ability and biocompatibility

As the population ages worldwide, the importance of maintaining the metabolism of the skeletal system becomes increasingly important. The skeleton is the core of the locomotor and oral structure. Moreover, infection control is an essential part of orthopedic and oral surgery. This paper investigates new bone substitutes fabricated by the ionic substitution method leading to octacalcium phosphate (OCP) with excellent contact antibacterial ability, biocompatibility, and bone replacement. To improve the functionality of OCP-based materials as a bone substitute, we introduce a novel OCP block fabrication method based on the dissolution–precipitation method, study the factors that induce OCP in solution, and propose a robust method for cation substitution in the OCP unit lattice named the ionic insertion method. We then fabricate Ag-substituted OCP (OCP–Ag) blocks using this method and evaluate their antibacterial activity in vivo. These techniques will contribute to new-generation medical services and improve the quality of life of individuals requiring implants.

Spherical Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Preoperative 3-dimensional planning is utilized to decide the radius of the curved osteotome, locations of the reference points for the osteotomy line, and depth of the bone groove at the teardrop area. The pelvic positioning is arranged fluoroscopically to match the neutral position based on preoperative planning. A 7-cm incision is made along the medial margin of the iliac crest. An anterior iliac crest osteotomy of 4.5 cm (length) × 1 cm (medial wedge-shaped) is performed. The operative field is maintained with aluminum retractors. The osteotomy line is completed by connecting the preoperatively planned reference points on the inner cortex of the ilium. The bone groove is made along the osteotomy line with use of a high-speed burr. A blunt osteotome is inserted into the bone groove at the teardrop area until it reaches the preoperatively planned depth. The blunt osteotome makes a pathway for the curved osteotome without breaking the quadrilateral surface (QLS) or perforating the hip joint. The special curved osteotome is inserted manually until it reaches the bottom of the groove, and the posterior cortex is cut. After the top of the teardrop is divided fluoroscopically, the anterior ischial cortex is osteotomized with a sharpened spiked Cobb elevator at the infracotyloid groove. An angled curved osteotome is used for the osteotomy of the superior area of the teardrop area. The bone fragment is rotated with a spreader and an angled retractor, and fixed with 2 absorbable screws. Beta-tricalcium phosphate blocks are inserted into the bone gap. The osteotomized wedge-shaped iliac bone is repositioned and fixed. Alternatives include the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy, rotational acetabular osteotomy, and triple innominate osteotomy. Bernese periacetabular osteotomy utilizes an anterior approach, cuts into the QLS, and preserves the posterior column. In contrast, SPO preserves the QLS and does not cut the pubis. These features of SPO have some advantages. The large osteotomized surface is advantageous for osseous fusion, and preserving the QLS and pubis protects the trunk of the obturator artery. Furthermore, the preservation of the connection between the ilium, ischium, and pubis in SPO maintains a more stable pelvic ring than in Bernese periacetabular osteotomy. The osteotomy line is arranged to prevent leg shortening caused by thin medial bone stock of the bone fragment. Although splitting the teardrop area in SPO is somewhat technically difficult, particularly in cases with a thin teardrop, it can be safely done with use of preoperative 3-dimensional planning and appropriate surgical technique.In addition, the use of our medial wedge-shaped osteotomy at the iliac crest has 2 advantages: protection of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and preservation of the attachment of the tensor fascia latae muscle. The advantages of SPO are a stable pelvic ring postoperatively, reduced risk of nonunion at the osteotomy site, no risk to the trunk of the obturator artery, preservation of the blood supply to the bone fragment, a small incision, and early muscle recovery. Preoperative 3-dimensional planning of the osteotomy design is essential.The special curved osteotomes are designed so that osteotomy of the posterior cortex is completed when the handles are perpendicular to the pelvis.The special curved osteotomes are made with a radius of either 50 or 60 mm, which are the most suitable sizes for the Japanese population. Larger-diameter osteotomes may be required for different races.As the rotated bone fragment is relatively small, it is difficult to obtain rigid fixation of the osteotomy site. Hence, the fragment can move slightly in the early phase after surgery. Careful rehabilitation is needed. AIIS = anterior inferior iliac spineASIS = anterior superior iliac spineLFCN = lateral femoral cutaneous nerveG.T. = greater trochanterK-wire = Kirschner wireBeta (β)-TCP = beta-tricalcium phosphate.

Fabrication of Octacalcium Phosphate Block through the Reaction between CaCO3 Powder and Phosphate Acid

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) demonstrates excellent biocompatibility but has low formability. In this study, we introduced a new fabrication method for OCP block, in which the reaction between CaCO3 powder and H3PO4 chemical reaction is used. Since this reaction could proceed at near body temperature, the OCP blocks could be readily formed, which had enough mechanical strength for bone substitute.

Engineering multi-functionalized molecular skeleton layer for dendrite-free and durable zinc batteries

Aqueous Zn batteries are subject to uncontrollable dendrite growth and water-induced parasitic side reactions, resulting in poor Zn2+ kinetics and limited lifespan. Herein, a self-consistent ultrathin multifunctional layer by integrating hydrophobic siloxane-based block and zincophilic diphosphate-building block into molecular skeletons on Zn foils (MTSi-Hedp-Zn) is proposed by a scalable and low-cost dip-coating technique. Experimental results combined with theoretical calculation (DFT) and COMSOL Simulations reveal that abundant O-Si-CH3 groups as hydrophobic block in the top of molecular skeletons is the contributing factor in precluding solvated H2O corrosion. Zincophilic PO bonds on organic phosphate block in the backbone work as attraction area for fast Zn2+ adsorption and transport kinetics. Simultaneously, such a combination enables surface-preferred (002) crystal planes on Zn metal, synergistically homogenizing the electric field at the interface and achieving preferentially flat growth without dendrites and side reactions. Accordingly, the MTSi-Hedp-Zn electrode exhibits an extended lifespan of over 2000 h and a much low voltage polarization of ~24.3 and 67.5 mV at 1 and 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Practical full cells coupled with commercial cathodes (CNT/MnO2 and V2O5) both perform much better capacity retention than the bare Zn case. The proposed hydrophobic-zincophilic interface by silane-organic phosphoric acid provides a significant construction tactic for designing dendrite-free and corrosion-free Zn electrodes and beyond.

Efficacy of Application of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells in Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies

Introduction: We aimed to systematically review the animal studies that have investigated the efficacy of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in bone regeneration. Methods: Web of science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest were searched to September 2022 for animal studies investigating bone regeneration using PDLSCs. Results: Twenty studies were included. Calvaria and alveolar defects were treated with stem cells. The cells were mainly carried with hydrogel, hydroxyapatite, and collagen scaffolds. PDLSCs promoted osteogenesis compared with cell-free scaffolds, except in one study where biphasic calcium phosphate block scaffolds alone or with Bone morphogenic protein 2 had superior outcomes in calvaria defects. Controversial results were reported when comparing the osteogenic potential of PDLSCs and bone marrow stem cells. Two studies reported higher potential in BMSCs, and two others reported higher bone formation and more bone quality in PDLSCs. Conclusion: With the limitations of this study, PDLSCs might have promising potential to accelerate bone regeneration in artificial defects; however, due to high heterogeneity in the outcomes of the present studies, before moving forward to human experiments, further preclinical in vivo studies are needed.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of the Internal Fit Accuracy of 3D-Printed Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Block: An Ex Vivo Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to assess the internal fit accuracy of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) block compared with a 3D-milled poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) block by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. In a total of 20 porcine rib bones, two different types of defects having two adjacent walls and a floor were produced: a defect with a flat floor (flat defect; N = 10) and a defect with a concave floor (curved defect; N = 10). Each defect was grafted with either the 3D-printed BCP block or the 3D-milled PMMA block fabricated following the computer aided design. The defects were then cut cross-sectionally and evaluated under the SEM. The extents of internal contact and gap were measured and statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). All blocks in both BCP and PMMA groups were successfully fit to the flat and curved defects. The internal contact ratio was significantly higher in the BCP group (flat defect: 0.47 ± 0.10; curved defect: 0.29 ± 0.05) compared with the PMMA group (flat defect: 0.21 ± 0.13; curved defect: 0.17 ± 0.04; p < 0.05). The internal gap area was similar between the two groups regardless of the defect types (p > 0.05). The internal fit accuracy of the 3D-printed BCP block was reliable in both the flat and curved defects when compared with the accuracy of the 3D-milled PMMA block.

Evaluation of Osteoconduction of a Synthetic Hydroxyapatite/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Block Fixed in Rabbit Mandibles.

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate blocks grafted in rabbit mandibles. (2) Methods: Topographic characterization of biomaterial was performed through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Ten rabbits randomly received autogenous bone graft harvested from the tibia (Autogenous Group—AG) or synthetic biomaterial manufactured in β-tricalcium phosphate (Biomaterial Group—BG) at their right and left mandibular angles. Euthanasia was performed at 30 and 60 postoperative days; (3) Results: SEM-EDX showed a surface with the formation of crystals clusters. Histological analyses in BG at 30 days showed a slower process of incorporation than AG. At 60 days, BG showed remnants of biomaterial enveloped by bone tissue in the anabolic modeling phase. Histometric analysis showed that mean values of newly formed bone-like tissue in the AG (6.56%/9.70%) were statistically higher compared to BG (3.14%/6.43%) in both periods, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated early bone formation and maturation in the AG with more intense osteopontin and osteocalcin staining. (4) Conclusions: The biomaterial proved to be a possible bone substitute, being incorporated into the receiving bed; however, it showed delayed bone incorporation compared to autogenous bone.

Lateral hinge fracture delays healing of the osteotomy gap in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with a beta-tricalcium phosphate block

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the healing process of synthetic bone grafts in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) and to identify the factors that affect bone healing in OWHTO. It was hypothesized that lateral hinge fracture (LHF) is associated with delayed bone healing after OWHTO with synthetic bone grafting. MethodsThe subjects included 350 knees of 283 patients who underwent OWHTO using two wedged blocks of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) with 60% porosity. The healing of the osteotomy gap using a radiologic rating system for OWHTO with synthetic bone grafts and the presence of an LHF were assessed up to postoperative 24 months. ResultsLHFs were found in 49 knees (14%). The osteotomy gap showed slower progression of radiographic healing with an LHF than without an LHF (P < .05). In the knees with LHFs, initial radiographic change in the osteotomy gap was observed almost at the same time as healing of the LHF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified LHF as the factor preventing the progression of bone healing (OR = 46.78, P < .05). ConclusionsLHF is associated with delayed bone healing after OWHTO with synthetic bone grafting.

Bone regeneration using β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) block with interconnected pores made by setting reaction of β‐TCP granules

We fabricated an interconnected dual porous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) block via a setting reaction of β-TCP granules. This β-TCP block was unique because it exhibits a fully interconnected macroporous structure with micropores in the walls surrounding macropores and a roughened surface. The porosity and diametral tensile strength of the resulting product were 58.1 ± 1.7% and 1.4 ± 0.2 MPa, respectively. Rabbit distal femur bone defects were reconstructed using the porous β-TCP block and the efficacy of the porous β-TCP block as an artificial bone substitute was evaluated histomorphometrically. For a dense β-TCP control, 4 weeks following implantation, only 0.2 ± 0.1% of the β-TCP was resorbed, and the amount of newly formed bone was limited (0.1 ± 0.1%), whereas when the defect was reconstructed with porous β-TCP, 9.2 ± 3.1% was resorbed, and the amount of new bone was 18.9 ± 5.5%. This represents an approximately 50-fold enhancement in resorption and a 200-fold increase in bone formation for our porous β-TCP block. Therefore, interconnected dual porous β-TCP made via β-TCP granule setting has good potential as an artificial bone substitute.

Extraterrestrial ribose and other sugars in primitive meteorites

Sugars are essential molecules for all terrestrial biota working in many biological processes. Ribose is particularly essential as a building block of RNA, which could have both stored information and catalyzed reactions in primitive life on Earth. Meteorites contain a number of organic compounds including key building blocks of life, i.e., amino acids, nucleobases, and phosphate. An amino acid has also been identified in a cometary sample. However, the presence of extraterrestrial bioimportant sugars remains unclear. We analyzed sugars in 3 carbonaceous chondrites and show evidence of extraterrestrial ribose and other bioessential sugars in primitive meteorites. The 13C-enriched stable carbon isotope compositions (δ13C vs.VPDB) of the detected sugars show that the sugars are of extraterrestrial origin. We also conducted a laboratory simulation experiment of a potential sugar formation reaction in space. The compositions of pentoses in meteorites and the composition of the products of the laboratory simulation suggest that meteoritic sugars were formed by formose-like processes. The mineral compositions of these meteorites further suggest the formation of these sugars both before and after the accretion of their parent asteroids. Meteorites were carriers of prebiotic organic molecules to the early Earth; thus, the detection of extraterrestrial sugars in meteorites establishes the existence of natural geological routes to make and preserve them as well as raising the possibility that extraterrestrial sugars contributed to forming functional biopolymers like RNA on the early Earth or other primitive worlds.

Evaluation of bone incorporation of a synthetic β‐tricalcium phosphate block installed in rabbit mandibles

Evaluation of bone incorporation of a synthetic β‐tricalcium phosphate block installed in rabbit mandibles

Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Block for Donor Site Morbidity of the Patella in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate anterior knee symptoms in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft followed by implantation of a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) block as a bone void filler.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 84 cases of synthetic bone grafting using a β-TCP block for the patellar bone defect in ACL reconstruction with a BPTB autograft. Computed tomography of the operated knee was performed immediately after the surgery to evaluate whether the grafted β-TCP block protruded forward from the anterior surface of the patella. On the basis of the results, the cases were divided into a protrusion group (n=31) and a non-protrusion group (n=53). Anterior knee symptoms at 12 months postoperatively and absorption of the grafted β-TCP block were compared between the two groups.ResultsExcept for patellofemoral crepitus, there was no significant difference in anterior knee symptoms between the two groups (p>0.05). The incidence of patellofemoral crepitus was significantly lower in the protrusion group than in the non-protrusion group (p=0.027). The groups showed no significant difference in β-TCP absorption.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that the protrusion of β-TCP that was used as a bone void filler had no adverse effects.

Study of Two Bovine Bone Blocks (Sintered and Non-Sintered) Used for Bone Grafts: Physico-Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Bioactivity and Cellular Analysis.

In this work, the physicochemical properties and in vitro bioactivity and cellular viability of two commercially available bovine bone blocks (allografts materials) with different fabrication processes (sintered and not) used for bone reconstruction were evaluated in order to study the effect of the microstructure in the in vitro behavior. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, mechanical resistance of blocks, mercury porosimetry analysis, in vitro bioactivity, and cell viability and proliferation were performed to compare the characteristics of both allograft materials against a synthetic calcium phosphate block used as a negative control. The herein presented results revealed a very dense structure of the low-porosity bovine bone blocks, which conferred the materials’ high resistance. Moreover, relatively low gas, fluid intrusion, and cell adhesion were observed in both the tested materials. The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of both ceramic blocks (sintered and not) were similar. Finally, the bioactivity, biodegradability, and also the viability and proliferation of the cells was directly related to the physicochemical properties of the scaffolds.

Bone regeneration using three-dimensional hexahedron channel structured BCP block in rabbit calvarial defects.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of bone regeneration and volume maintenance of the three-dimensional (3D) structured biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) block with porous hexahedron channels in a rabbit calvarial model. In this work, four circular defects (diameter: 8 mm) in calvarium of rabbits were randomly assigned to (1) negative control (control), (2) 3D hexahedron channel structured BCP block, (3) deproteinized bovine bone mineral particle, and (4) deproteinized porcine bone mineral particle. Animals were euthanized at 2 (n = 5) and 8 weeks (n = 5). Outcome measures included micro-computed tomography (CT) and histomorphometrical analysis. Results indicated that in micro-CT, BCP group showed the highest new bone volume with significant difference compared to control (p = 0.008) at 8 weeks. Histomorphometrically, total augmented area of BCP group was the highest with significant difference compared to control (p = 0.008) at 8 weeks. BCP group also maintained total volume of the original defect without collapsing. BCP block with 3D hexahedron channel structure seems to have favorable osteogenic and volume maintaining ability and highly porous structure might attribute to new bone formation. Further studies regarding the optimal internal structure and porosity of the BCP block bone substitute are needed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2254-2262, 2019.

Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for irradiated rat calvarial defects.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to conduct a histologic evaluation of irradiated calvarial defects in rats 4 weeks after applying fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) with hyaluronan or biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) block in the presence or absence of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy.MethodsTwenty rats were divided into HBO and non-HBO (NHBO) groups, each of which was divided into FGF-2 and BCP-block subgroups according to the grafted material. Localized radiation with a single 12-Gy dose was applied to the calvaria of rats to simulate radiotherapy. Four weeks after applying this radiation, 2 symmetrical circular defects with a diameter of 6 mm were created in the parietal bones of each animal. The right-side defect was filled with the materials mentioned above and the left-side defect was not filled (as a control). All defects were covered with a resorbable barrier membrane. During 4 weeks of healing, 1 hour of HBO therapy was applied to the rats in the HBO groups 5 times a week. The rats were then killed, and the calvarial specimens were harvested for radiographic and histologic analyses.ResultsNew bone formation was greatest in the FGF-2 subgroup, and improvement was not found in the BCP subgroup. HBO seemed to have a minimal effect on new bone formation. There was tendency for more angiogenesis in the HBO groups than the NHBO groups, but the group with HBO and FGF-2 did not show significantly better outcomes than the HBO-only group or the NHBO group with FGF-2.ConclusionsHBO exerted beneficial effects on angiogenesis in calvarial defects of irradiated rats over a 4-week healing period, but it appeared to have minimal effects on bone regeneration. FGF-2 seemed to enhance new bone formation and angiogenesis, but its efficacy appeared to be reduced when HBO was applied.

Fabrication of octacalcium phosphate block through a dissolution-precipitation reaction using a calcium sulphate hemihydrate block as a precursor.

Although octacalcium phosphate (OCP) powder and a collagen/gelatin composite demonstrate good potential as bone substitutes, an OCP block has not been fabricated to date. In this study, the feasibility of fabricating an OCP block was evaluated through a dissolution-precipitation reaction using a calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) block as a precursor. When the block was immersed in a phosphate salt solution, its composition changed to that of OCP, while its structure was maintained. The diametral tensile strength (DTS) of the OCP block was 1.0 ± 0.2 MPa. The macroporosity and microporosity of the OCP block were 33.4 ± 4.5% and, 69.0 ± 1.6%, respectively. New bone attached well to the OCP block, and this block was partially replaced by bone 2 weeks after implantation. Four weeks after implantation, the surface of the OCP block was nearly covered with new bone and ~30% of the block was replaced by new bone, while no replacement by bone was observed in the case of a hydroxyapatite (HAp) block used as a control. It is concluded that OCP blocks are potentially suitable for their use as artificial bone substitutes.

Fabrication of carbonate apatite blocks from octacalcium phosphate blocks through different phase conversion mode depending on carbonate concentration

Carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) is an inorganic component of mature bone and is used as bone substitute instead of autografts. Recently, 100% pure CO3Ap granules formed from calcium carbonate via a dissolution-precipitation reaction have been used as a clinical precursor for bone. In this study, the feasibility of fabricating blocks of CO3Ap from blocks of octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which is an analog of the bone composition and serves as a precursor for bone, was investigated by immersion in NaHCO3. The macroscopic structure of the OCP block was retained upon conversion to CO3Ap. In addition, as the NaHCO3 concentration increased from 0.0 to 2.0 mol/L, the carbonate content increased in the resulting CO3Ap, reaching ≈ 14 wt% at maximum NaHCO3 concentration. Moreover, the morphology of the CO3Ap crystals varied as the NaHCO3 concentration increased up to 0.5 mol/L: they were pseudomorphic plate-like when the NaHCO3 concentration was low but formed particles ranging ~ 10 nm in size at high NaHCO3 concentrations. The different phase transformation modes depended on NaHCO3 concentrations closely related to CO3Ap crystal morphology and were associated with a decrease in the mechanical strength of the block.

Feasibility evaluation of low-crystallinity β-tricalcium phosphate blocks as a bone substitute fabricated by a dissolution-precipitation reaction from α-tricalcium phosphate blocks.

Although sintered β-tricalcium phosphate blocks have been used clinically as artificial bone substitutes, the crystallinity of β-tricalcium phosphate, which might dominate biocompatibility, is extremely high. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of fabricating low-crystallinity β-tricalcium phosphate blocks, which are expected to exhibit good biocompatibility via a dissolution-precipitation reaction of α-tricalcium phosphate blocks as a precursor under hydrothermal conditions at 200°C for 24 h. Although β-tricalcium phosphate is a metastable phase, the presence of Mg2+ in the reaction solution inhibits the formation of its corresponding stable phase and induces β-tricalcium phosphate formation under acidic conditions. It was found that low-crystallinity β-tricalcium phosphate blocks could be fabricated from α-tricalcium phosphate blocks immersed in 1.0 mol/L MgCl2 + 0.1 mol/L NaH2PO4 solution while maintaining the shape of the α-tricalcium phosphate blocks. The crystallite size of the fabricated β-tricalcium phosphate blocks was 42 nm, which was substantially smaller than that of the sintered β-tricalcium phosphate blocks. When the fabricated β-tricalcium phosphate blocks were implanted into bone defects in rabbit femurs, they exhibited excellent tissue responses. In particular, the initial osteoconductivity (two and four weeks) was substantially greater than that of sintered β-tricalcium phosphate blocks.