Comparative study of ceramic grafts in New Zealand rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: To Develop a new biomaterial, the beta tricalcium phosphate ceramic (βTCP argentine) evaluating its features, as a bone substitute. To conduct a comparative study with a commercial βTPC imported into our country. METHODS: We obtained an Argentine βTCP by a new low-cost method based on a reaction of calcium phosphate emulsions with glycolic acid as a pore-forming agent. Studies were carried out to compare this material with the βTCP Sinergy Odontit ® (USA). The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and, in addition, porosity, specific surface area and compressive strength were assessed. Critical-size defects in the tibias of New Zealand white male rabbit, were created to evaluate bone response. Cavities were filled with both bioceramics materials in the same animal. The bone defect of a tibia was filled with the βTCP argentine, and the contralateral tibia, with the commercial βTCP; non-filled defects were left as controls. Animals were slaughtered at 30, 60 and 90 days post-surgery. Digital radiographs, histological and histomorphometric studies of the treated areas were performed. Statistical analysis of histomorphometric data, through univariate linear models of two ways or factors (group and stage) and post hoc test (Tukey DHS) were used. For all tests, the value of statistical significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: The βTCP argentine achieved optimal chemical and structural characteristics, a high purity of the ceramic phase (97%), mechanical properties and the bioactivity required by current legislation. At histological observations, the results showed that both grafts were biocompatible. However, the βTCP argentine showed a faster and more complete reabsorption, with lower residual biomaterial and a significantly greater quantity of osteocytes and vascularization in relation to the βTCP Sinergy®. CONCLUSIONS: The new synthetic biomaterial (βTCP argentine) could be an alternative bone substitute, which mimics the characteristics and functionality of autologous bone and. In addition, it represents a low cost therapeutic option for tissue regeneration.