Biphasic Bioceramic Obtained from Byproducts of Sugar Beet Processing for Use in Bioactive Coatings and Bone Fillings

J Funct Biomater. 2023 Oct 9;14(10):499. doi: 10.3390/jfb14100499.

Abstract

This study focuses on developing hydroxyapatite synthesized from a CaCO3-rich byproduct of sugar beet processing called Carbocal® using a hydrothermal reactor. The purpose of this biomaterial is to enhance the osteoinductivity of implantable surfaces and serve as a bone filler, providing a sustainable and economically more affordable alternative. This research involved compositional analysis and micro- and macrostructural physicochemical characterization, complemented with bioactivity and live/dead assays. The biphasic nature of the Carbocal®-derived sample was significant within the context of the bioactivity concept previously proposed in the literature. The bioactivity of the biomaterial was demonstrated through a viability test, where the cell growth was nearly equivalent to that of the positive control. For comparison purposes, the same tests were conducted with two additional samples: hydroxyapatite obtained from CaCO3 and commercial hydroxyapatite. The resulting product of this process is biocompatible and possesses properties similar to natural hydroxyapatite. Consequently, this biomaterial shows potential as a scaffold in tissue engineering and as an adhesive filler to promote bone regeneration within the context of the circular bioeconomy in the geographical area proposed.

Keywords: Carbocal®; bioactive coating; biphasic bioceramic; bone cement; hydroxyapatite; viability.

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the Junta de Andalucía (TMA research groups, ref. TEP-181). Co-funding from the EU is also acknowledged. The authors wish to thank the “AZUCARERA IBERIA S.L.U.” and “NUEVA COMERCIAL AZUCARERA S.A.” groups for the supply of products and IniBICA, Foundation for the Management of Biomedical Research of Cádiz (Spain). Furthermore, this work is part of the AGROCOM project, funded by the Call for Operational Groups 2020 (GOPC-CA-20-0004)—Junta de Andalucía and approved on 30 July 2020. Grants are aimed at supporting the operation of operational groups of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) in the field of agricultural productivity and sustainability.