Bone Implant Interface Investigation by Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Microfluorescence

Zinc is known to play a relevant role in growth and development; it has stimulatory effects on in vitro and in vivo bone formation and an inhibitory effect on in vitro osteoclastic bone resorption. The inorganic component of the bone tissue is nonstoichiometric apatite; changes in the composition of hidroxyapatite are subject of studies in order to improve the tissue response after implantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 0.5% zinc-containing hydroxyapatite in comparison to hydroxyapatite on osseous repair of rabbit's tibia. Cylinders (2 x 6 mm) of both materials were produced according to the specification of the International Organization for Standardization. Ethics Commission on Teaching and Research in Animals approved this project (HUAP-195/06). Fifteen White New Zealand rabbits were submitted to general anesthesia and two perforations (2 mm) were made in each tibia for implantation of zinc-containing hydroxyapatite cylinders (left tibia) and hydroxyapatite cylinders (right tibia). After 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the animals were killed and one fragment of each tibia with the cylinder was collected and embedded in a methacrylate-based resin and cut into slices (6200 km thickness), parallel to the implant's long axis with a precision diamond saw for Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Microfluorescence investigation. The accomplishment of the standard procedures helped the planning, execution and the comparative analysis of the results. The chemical and physical properties of the biomaterials were modified after its implantation and the incorporation of zinc. Both materials are biocompatible and promote osteoconduction and favored bone repair.