Exploring Borate-Modified Calcium Phosphate Ceramics: Antimicrobial Potential and Cytocompatibility Assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Periprosthetic infections pose significant challenges, often requiring revision surgeries.
• Novel antibacterial materials are needed to prevent implant-associated infections and promote bone healing.
• Boron compounds show potential in bone metabolism and possess antibacterial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize boron-containing tricalcium phosphate (0.3B-TCP) ceramics.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and cytocompatibility of 0.3B-TCP for bone tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 0.3B-TCP via precipitation and sintering.
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance.
• Assessment of microstructural properties, bending strength, porosity, antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and osteogenic differentiation.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized 0.3B-TCP with 1.1 wt.% boron content, confirmed by XRD and EDS.
• EPR data verified stable borate anions (BO₃^3-) substituting phosphate groups.
• 0.3B-TCP exhibited significant antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi, with good cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential.

Conclusions:

• 0.3B-TCP ceramic demonstrates potent antibacterial activity and favorable cytocompatibility.
• The material shows promise as a bone substitute for applications in regenerative medicine and infection prevention.
• Further research into 0.3B-TCP could lead to improved outcomes for patients with bone defects and infections.