: Biocompatibility evaluation of novel alumina/zirconia bioceramics was made by using an animal model (Wistar rats). Monitoring the osseointegration process at different time intervals (2, 4, 8 weeks), the defects in rat femur were microscopically evaluated with respect to filling of the defect with bone, respectively fibrous tissue or signs of inflammation in the adjacent tissue, by complementary SEM-EDAX and histological analysis.

1. No signs of inflammatory reactions, such as necrosis or reddening suggesting implant
rejection, were found upon histological examination. A network of woven bony trabeculae
architecture with cellular infiltration was observed. The periosteal and the endosteal
regions were completely closed, with new blood capillaries around the implant site.
Osseointegration is realized when there is direct contact of viable bone with the surface of
the implant without an interposition of soft tissue at the light microscopical level.
Biocompatibility and OsseointegrationBiocompatibility and Osseointegration
of new alumina/zirconia bioceramics: in vivoof new alumina/zirconia bioceramics: in vivo
study using animal modelstudy using animal model
S. Cavalu1
, C. Ratiu1
, V. Simon2
, D. Osvat1
, I. Oswald1
, M. Puscasiu1
, O. Ponta2
,
I. Akin3
, G. Goller3
1
University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, Oradea, Romania, scavalu@rdslink.ro
2
Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Physics & Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3
Istanbul Technical University, Materials Science Departament
.
PurposePurpose:: In this study, we assessed the in vivo performance of a new
Al2O3-ZrO2-TiO2 ceramic prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering, by using an animal
model (Wistar rats). Surgical procedureSurgical procedure: Biomaterials (granular shape) were
implanted into epiphyseal/ metaphyseal drill hole defects in rats femoral bone under
constant irrigation of cold saline to avoid thermal necrosis and to remove the debris.
Animals were euthanized at the specific period .
Results:Results: The defects were microscopically evaluated with respect to filling of the
defect with bone, respectively fibrous tissue and signs of inflammation in the adjacent
tissue. The implanted materials were well integrated in the original bone defects and
covered with a layer of soft tissue at eight weeks after implantation.
Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis revealed a fibrinous and collagenous matrix extensively
interdigitated with the three-dimensional interconnected porous structure after first 4 weeks. Distinct
gaps between the implant and the bone filled with the granular ceramic were observed in a few
locations. However, after 8 weeks, the matrix around the surface implanted area appeared more densely, well
covered and extensively integrated into a mixture of mineralized tissue, osteoid, and dense matrix.
2 weeks 4 weeks 8 weeks
Irregular shape and microstructure of
80%Al2O3-20%ZrO2+3%TiO2 bioceramic.
Monitoring the osseointegration processMonitoring the osseointegration process
Calcium/phosphate ratio is an indicative of the surface implant coverage for a
successful osseointegration.
Conclusions:Conclusions: ►►SEM micrographs revealed that theSEM micrographs revealed that the materials were wellmaterials were well
integrated in the original bone defects and covered with aintegrated in the original bone defects and covered with a
layer of soft tissue at eight weeks after implantation.layer of soft tissue at eight weeks after implantation.
►► Calcium/phosphate ratio indicates the surface implantCalcium/phosphate ratio indicates the surface implant
coverage.coverage.
►► No signs of inflammatory reactions were found uponNo signs of inflammatory reactions were found upon
histological examination.histological examination.
By using this animal model, the biocompatibility and osseointegration ofBy using this animal model, the biocompatibility and osseointegration of
new Alnew Al22OO33-ZrO-ZrO22-TiO-TiO22 ceramicceramic was demonstrated .was demonstrated .
References:References:
[1] M. Navarro, A. Michiardi, O.Castano, J.A. Planell,
Biomaterials in orthopaedics, J.R. Soc.Interface (2008), 5, 1137.
[2] G. Henes, B.Ben-Nissan, Innovative Bioceramics, Materials
Forum 27 (2004), 104.
Acknowledgements:Acknowledgements:
This research was accomplished in the framework of
Romania-Turkey Bilateral Cooperation, project nr.
385/2010.