In vivo response of novel calcium phosphate-mullite composites: Results up to 12 weeks of implantation

In this paper, the in vivo response, in particular, the histocompatibility of newly developed CaP‐mullite composites is reported. In the present experiments, the bioceramic implants were inserted in the long bones of healthy rabbits according to standard protocols (ISO‐10993) and the tissue response was studied at different time intervals of up to 12 weeks. Ultra high‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was used as control samples. The postimplant bone‐material interfaces were analyzed by staining of histological sections, following bone tissue histopathology protocols. The interface zones were critically observed by fluorescent optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Importantly, no inflammation, necrosis was observed during this tenure. New bone formation was observed at all the implantation time intervals (1–12 weeks). However, the bone integrity with the material was increased after 12 weeks of implantation. Although macrophages and fibrous tissue were present during the first week of implantation, they were not observed on histology sections after 12 weeks postimplantation. More importantly, foci of chondrocytes could be observed after 12 weeks of implantation. Remodeling of Haversian canal was observed at the interfacial area of natural bone and implant material. All the observations were assessed critically to analyze the in vivo biocompatibility of this novel composite material. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009