AN IN-VITRO BIOCOMPATIBILITY STUDY OF A NEW HYDROXYAPATITE CERAMIC HA-SAL1 - COMPARISON TO BIOACTIVE BONE SUBSTITUTE CERAMICS

A dense ceramic (HA-SAL1) of desired crystallinity was prepared from a patite powder using a rapid and inexpensive procedure. The biocompatib ility irt vitro of HA-SAL1 was evaluated and compared to commercial bo ne substitute ceramics. Cells relevant to osteogenesis: human bone cel ls, cells from a permanent line with osteoblastic properties, Saos-2 a nd endothelial cells participating in angiogenesis were used for the e valuation of biocompatibility. The interaction of these cells with the ceramics was studied using scanning electron microscopy and growth as says. On the HA-SAL1 surfaces, the cells attached, spread and replicat ed with no apparent signs of toxicity. The cells attached, spread and grew on HA-SAL1 as well as on the other ceramics. It is concluded that HA-SAL1 is a nontoxic biocompatible material, supporting growth of hu man bone and bovine endothelial cells, in vitro.