Formation of Octacalcium Phosphate from α-TCP Porous Body

Abstract

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramics is known as bioresorbable bone substitute in orthopedic field. Porous body of TCP has also high potential for application of drug delivery system in bony defect. Increase in surface area of the α-TCP porous body is required to achieve higher performance as drug carrier. In the present study, we attempted to form mesopore on the surface of scaffold of α-TCP porous body by treatment with buffer solution. Formation of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) with fine plate-like crystals was observed after soaking in the buffer solution with pH=4-5. Bimodal pore size distribution composed macropore ranged 10-50μm due to continuous pore of α-TCP body and mesopore ranged 10-100nm due to inner pore in OCP was attained in the porous body. The mesopore is expected to be suitable for extended release of drugs.