Morphological and Physical Characteristics and Cell Affinity of Coral as a Scaffold

抄録

The mechanical strength of the scaffold to ensure space for jaw bone augmentation is needed. In the present study, we focused upon massive shaped coral, with its large volume consisting of superficial and deep parts. Porous coral (massive Porites) was used. The surfaces of the internal cavities of the coral were observed using SEM. The specific gravity and the physical strength of the deproteinized coral blocks under wet condition were measured. Particles of coral were added into culture cells and the cell proliferation and differentiation into blood capillaries of the coral were studied. The ducts with 100-200 μm were interconnected and opened to the outside. The surface of the exoskeleton was covered with numerous porous processes 1 μm in diameter. The specific gravity and compressive strength of the superficial layer of the coral were 1.30 and 29.1 MPa, and those of the deep layer were 1.45 and 36.3 MPa, respectively. The coral particles induced cell proliferation and differentiation into blood capillaries. These findings suggest that this coral would be useful as scaffolding material for bone augmentation.