Cellular biocompatibility and resistance to compression of macroporous beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramics

The main problem for macroporous structures used as bone substitutes is the ir lower resistances when compared to that of cancellous bane. The present investigation aimed to improve the strength of ceramics with 65 % porositie s based on beta-TCP. The initial mixtures were rendered plastic by addition of non-ionic carbohydrate binders. Macropores were created using substance s which were eliminated by heat. Mechanical tests indicated that the resist ance of the ceramics depended more on the quantity than the nature of the b inders. Porosity measurements were done with a mercury porosimeter, and cel lular biocompatibility was evaluated by performing cellular attachment test s and observing the proliferation of differentiated cells. (C) 1998 Publish ed by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.