Impact of Calcium Phosphate Particle Morphology on Osteoconduction: an In Vivo Study

Apatite/β−TCP particles exhibiting non-conventional urchin-like morphology were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. Their implantation in the rat calvarium was followed during 60 days. A total absence of osteoconduction was observed despite a favorable chemical composition, stressing the fundamental role of particle morphology on bone regeneration. Results are discussed in relation with other literature data. Possible explanations include the disfavored accumulation of biological mediators due to the acicular shape of the particles and/or a limited accessibility for cells.