Application of K/Sr co-doped calcium polyphosphate bioceramic as scaffolds for bone substitutes

Ion doping is one of the most important methods to modify the properties of bioceramics for better biodegrade abilities, biomechanical properties, and biocompatibilities. This paper presents a novel ion doping method applied in calcium polyphosphate (CPP)-based bioceramic scaffolds substituted by potassium and strontium ions (K/Sr) to form (K/Sr-CPP) scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration. The microstructure and crystallization of the scaffolds were detected by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Compressive strength and degradation tests were assessed to evaluate the mechanical and chemical stabilities of K/Sr-CPP in vitro. The cell biocompatibility was measured with respect to the cytotoxicity of the extractions of scaffolds. Muscle pouches and bone implantation were performed to evaluate the biodegradability and osteoconductivity of the scaffolds. The results indicated that the obtained K/Sr-CPP scaffolds had a single beta-CPP phase. The unit cell volume and average grain size increased but the crystallization decreased after the ions were doped into the CPP structure. The K/Sr-CPP scaffolds yielded a higher compressive strength and a better degradation property than the pure CPP scaffold. The MTT assay and in vivo results reveal that the K/Sr-CPP scaffolds exhibited a better cell biocompatibility and a tissue biocompatibility than CPP and hydroxyapatite scaffolds. This study proves the potential applications of K/Sr-CPP scaffolds in bone repair.