[Biocompatibility research of true bone ceramics]

Objective: To investigate the biocompatibility of true bone ceramic (TBC) and provide experimental basis for clinic application.

Methods: TBC was prepared from healthy adult bovine cancellous bone by deproteinization and high temperature calcinations. Mouse fibroblast cell line (L929 cells) were cultured with the leaching liquor of TBC in vitro, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated at 2nd, 4th, and 7th days. L929 cells were inoculated into the TBC and cultured for 4 days. The cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of the TBC were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and evaluated the cell compatibility of TBC. Ten New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 2 groups, and drilled holes at the tibia of both hind limbs. TBC and hydroxyapatite (HA) were implanted into the left side (experimental group) and the right side (control group), respectively. And the biocompatibility of TBC was evaluated by general observation and histological observation at 4 and 26 weeks after implantation.

Results: Cytotoxicity test showed that the cytotoxicity level of leaching liquor of TBC was grade 0-1. Cell compatibility experiments showed that the L929 cells adhered well on the surface of TBC and migrated into the pores. The implantation test in vivo showed that experimental group and control group both had mild or moderate inflammatory response at 4 weeks, and new bone formation occurred. At 26 weeks, there was no inflammatory reaction observed in both groups, and new bone formation was observed in varying degrees.

Conclusion: TBC have good biocompatibility and can be used to repair bone defect in clinic.