Comparative in vitro osteoinductivity study of HA and α-TCP/HA bicalcium phosphate

A bicalcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramic comprising α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) was prepared by a two-step sintering. The microstructure of the BCP bioceramic was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction. The in vitro osteoinductivity was evaluated by culturing MG63 osteoblast-like cells on the BCP bioceramic. Results showed that the BCP bioceramic comprising α-TCP and HA in a moderate ratio possessed a hardness of 93.7 Hv. The cells spread faster on the BCP bioceramic than those on the commercial HA. It suggested that the BCP bioceramic can enhance osteoinductivity in vivo.