Biotransformation of implanted coral in some animals studied by neutron activation analysis

In vivo behavior of biomaterial is dependent on the site of implantation. C haracterization by atomic element transfers versus the implantation duratio n is a quantitative approach to the phenomenon. Here, bioactive coral is im planted in ovine, porcine and rabbit thighbones and not in sheep jawbones a s previously reported. Biopsies extracted between 1 and 24 weeks are analys ed by fast neutron activation. Mineral composition of the coral is greatly modified: Ca, P, Mg and Sr concentrations become comparable to those of mat ure bone some months after the implantation. Results suggest a bioactive re sorption followed by apatite formation.