Carbonate Substituted Hydroxyapatite: is Resorption Responsible for Increased Bioactivity?

Institution: The University of Cambridge
Investigators: Professor Neil Rushton, Mr Gavin Spence
Stream: MD
Topic: Biomaterials (HA)
Status: Completed

Carbonate substituted hydroxyapatite (CHA) has enhanced osteoconductivity properties copmared to stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA), although the reasons for this are unclear. This study sought to investigate the mechanism by which carbonate substitution within the HA lattice brings about this effect, specifically testing the hypothesis that it is secondary to an enhanced bioresorptive response by osteoclasts which in turn upregulates bone formation, analogous to the coupling process seen in bone remoddeling.

This study shows that carbonate substitution with the HA lattice is associated with increased osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic resorption of the ceramic. The improved osteoconductive properties afforded by carbonate substitution depend on the presence of functionl osteoclasts. Manipulating or mimicking osteoclast responses to biomaterials may be a route to enhancing their osteoconductive properties in the future.

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