Composition, morphology and crystallinity biomaterials based on calcium phosphate for implant bone regeneration

Background

The alveolar bone and surrounding soft tissues must present volume and ideal qualities in order to receive implants. When these characteristics are lacking, biomaterials based on Ca and PO4 composition are regularly used to obtain adequate bone volume and height. The inorganic phase of bones and teeth is characterized by a dominant concentration of calcium phosphate. This has led researchers to develop biomaterials with similar chemical composition and characteristics.

Aim/Hypothesis

The present study analyzed the chemical composition, morphological aspect and crystallinity of four biomaterials, Bio-Oss, Cerasorb, BoneCeramic and Osteogen.

Materials and Methods

The analyses applied were instrumental neutron activation (NAA), energy dispersive X-ray (DX), elemental analysis (EA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM EDS).

Results

The chemical analyses were effective and detected differences in the elemental composition between the studied biomaterials. The most highly concentrated elements in the biomaterials based on calcium phosphate were Ca and P. Other elements (Al, K, V, Mn, Br, La, Sm, Eu, W, Na, Mg, Si, S, Cl, Fe, Zn, Sr) that are not usually found in the inorganic bone structure were also detected. Thermogravimetric curves agree with the data of the elemental analysis of C, H and N, regarding the content of organic groups, however in Cerasorb&#61666 + , no data could be identified due to the lack of organic elements. Osteogen and Boneceramic, perhaps are synthetic elaboration, presented a low carbon content (0.23% and 0.12%).

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

Morphological data assessed using SEM revealed that these four biomaterials are quite different in shape, surface topography and crystalline size. The biomaterial features may determine their biological, biochemical and biomechanical performance during bone formation and, consequently, their successful clinical use.