Preparation and Evaluation of Two Apatites with Spherical Nanocrystal Morphology

Spherical nanocrystal of apatite has been proved to be beneficial for osteoblast growth. Two apatites with spherical nanocrystal morphology were prepared in this study by chemical wet method and further sintering process. SEM exhibited that both apatites had spherical nanocrystal morphology. The crystal morphology and size was approaching to each other. XRD showed the apatites separately were hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate phases. The cellular biocompatibility was evaluated by osteoblasts for these two spherical nanocrstal apatites. The MTT result indicated a higher cell proliferation rate for spherical tricalcium phosphate group. The ALP activity assay also strongly favored the tricalcium phosphate group. RT-PCR results indicated that Collagen I had a higher transcription level on the spherical tricalcium phosphate group. SEM results showed robust cell growth on the materials. It was concluded that the spherical nanophase tricalcium phosphate was superior to the cellular biocompatibility of spherical nanophase hydroxyapatite and the results were helpful in the manufacture of more suitable tissue engineering scaffolds.