[Experimental research on the effect of nanophase ceramics on osteoblasts functions]

In order to study the cytocompatibility of nanophase hydroxyapatite ceramic in vitro, we prepared hydroxyapatite by use of the wet chemistry techniques. The grain size of hydroxyapatite of interest to the present study was determined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy with image analysis software. Primary culture of osteoblast from rat calvaria was established. Protein content, synthesis of alkaline phosphatase and deposition of calcium-containing mineral by osteoblasts cultured on nanophase hydroxyapatite ceramics and on conventional hydroxyapatite ceramics for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days were examined. The results showed that the average surface grain size of the nanophase and that of the conventional HA compact formulations was 55 (nanophase) and 780 (conventional) nm, respectively. More importantly, compared to the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase and deposition of calcium-containing mineral by osteoblasts cultured on nanophase was significantly greater than that on conventional ceramics after 21 and 28 days. The cytocompatibility was significantly greater on nanophase HA than on conventional formulations of the same ceramic.