A novel alkali metals/strontium co-substituted calcium polyphosphate scaffolds in bone tissue engineering

Our purpose of this study is to develop potassium or sodium/strontium co-substituted calcium polyphosphate (K/Sr-CPP or Na/Sr-CPP) bioceramics in application of bone repairing scaffold. The incorporation of K, Na, and Sr into CPP substrate via a calcining-sintering process was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. In vitro degradation study of co-substituted CPP indicated the incorporation of alkali metal elements promoted the degradability of CPP, and the scanning electron microscope showed the apatite-like minerals were precipitated on the surface of co-substituted CPP. The compress resistant strength of co-substituted CPP was elevated by dopants. The MTT assay and confocal laser-scanning microscope on osteoblasts culturing with co-substituted CPP showed no cytotoxicity. The cell proliferation on co-substituted CPP was even better than others. Thus, this co-substituted CPP bioceramics might have potential of applications in orthopedic field.