A head-to-head comparison of the degradation rate of resorbable bioceramics

Abstract

Resorbable bioceramics offer advantages in healing bone defects due to their degradation capability. Degradation rates differ significantly from one bioceramic to another; nevertheless, the degradation rate should match the growth rate of new bone. In the present study, a head-to-head comparison of the degradation rate of calcium sulfate and tricalcium phosphate is conducted. First, the degradation behaviors of calcium sulfate and tricalcium phosphate are evaluated separately. The comparison indicates that the degradation rate of calcium sulfate is one order of magnitude faster than that of tricalcium phosphate. Along with a fast degradation rate, the formation of calcium phosphate on the surface of calcium sulfate pellets is also faster. A core-shell roll composed of a calcium sulfate core and a tricalcium phosphate shell is also prepared. After soaking the core-shell roll in phosphate buffered saline solution for 24 h, calcium phosphate precipitates form only on the surface of core, the part containing calcium sulfate anhydrite.

Keywords: Bioceramics; Calcium sulfate; In vitro degradation; Resorbable materials; Tricalcium phosphate.