Synthesis, in vitro hydroxyapatite forming ability, and cytocompatibility of strontium silicate powders

Phase-pure strontium silicate (SrSiO(3)) powders were synthesized by chemical precipitation method. In vitro bioactivity of the powders were evaluated by examining the hydroxyapatite forming ability on their surface soaking simulated body fluid for various periods. The results showed that SrSiO(3) could induce hydroxy carbonate apatite formation after soaking for 7 days. Both L929 and rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (rMSCs) were used to test the in vitro cytocompatibility of SrSiO(3). L929 culture experiment showed that the ionic product of SrSiO(3) did not exhibit cytotoxicity except at high ion concentrations (Si 3.75 mM and Sr 0.12 mM). Moreover, at certain ion concentrations (Si 1.87-0.12 mM and Sr 0.12-3.75 x 10(-3) mM), the ionic product of SrSiO(3) stimulated the proliferation of rMSCs. All the results indicated that SrSiO(3) might be used as a new bioactive material for bone regeneration applications.