Cell culture test of TCP/CPLA composite

Thermoplastic polymers filled with a ceramic powder (here described as a "c omposite") of beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and copoly-L-lactide (CPLA) w as prepared by a heat-kneading method. The TCP/CPLA composite obtained had a three-point bending strength of 51.26 +/- 6.34 MPa, a Young's modulus of 5.18 +/- 1.11 GPa, and a fracture strength of 52.64 +/- 2.975 MPa, which is sufficient for usage as an artificial bone implant material, According to cell culture tests using MC3T3-E1 cells, the TCP/CPLA composite showed no c ytotoxicity and the cells were in close contact with the surfaces of the co mposite without any observable morphological change, These results suggest that a composite consisting of osteoconductive TCP and biodegradable CPLA i s suitable as a bioactive artificial bent! material, (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.