No signs of inflammatory reactions, such as necrosis or reddening suggesting implant rejection, were found upon histological examination. A network of woven bony trabeculae

architecture with cellular infiltration was observed. The periosteal and the endosteal regions were completely closed, with new blood capillaries around the implant site.

Osseointegration is realized when there is direct contact of viable bone with the surface of the implant without an interposition of soft tissue at the light microscopical level.

Biocompatibility and Osseointegration Biocompatibility and Osseointegration of new alumina/zirconia bioceramics: in vivo of new alumina/zirconia bioceramics: in vivo

study using animal modelstudy using animal modelS. Cavalu1, C. Ratiu1, V. Simon2 , D. Osvat1, I. Oswald1, M. Puscasiu1, O. Ponta2,

I. Akin3, G. Goller3

1University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, Oradea, Romania, scavalu@rdslink.ro 2Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Physics & Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

3Istanbul Technical University, Materials Science Departament

.

PurposePurpose:: In this study, we assessed the in vivo performance of a new Al2O3-ZrO2-TiO2 ceramic prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering, by using an animal

model (Wistar rats). Surgical procedureSurgical procedure: Biomaterials (granular shape) were implanted into epiphyseal/ metaphyseal drill hole defects in rats femoral bone under constant irrigation of cold saline to avoid thermal necrosis and to remove the debris.

Animals were euthanized at the specific period .

Results:Results: The defects were microscopically evaluated with respect to filling of the defect with bone, respectively fibrous tissue and signs of inflammation in the adjacent tissue. The implanted materials were well integrated in the original bone defects and

covered with a layer of soft tissue at eight weeks after implantation.

Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis revealed a fibrinous and collagenous matrix extensively interdigitated with the three-dimensional interconnected porous structure after first 4 weeks. Distinct

gaps between the implant and the bone filled with the granular ceramic were observed in a few locations. However, after 8 weeks, the matrix around the surface implanted area appeared more densely, well

covered and extensively integrated into a mixture of mineralized tissue, osteoid, and dense matrix.

2 weeks 4 weeks 8 weeks

Irregular shape and microstructure of

80%Al2O3-20%ZrO2+3%TiO2 bioceramic.

Monitoring the osseointegration processMonitoring the osseointegration process

Calcium/phosphate ratio is an indicative of the surface implant coverage for a successful osseointegration.

Conclusions: Conclusions: ►►SEM micrographs revealed that theSEM micrographs revealed that the materials were well materials were well integrated in the original bone defects and covered with a integrated in the original bone defects and covered with a

layer of soft tissue at eight weeks after implantation.layer of soft tissue at eight weeks after implantation.

► ► Calcium/phosphate ratio indicates the surface implant Calcium/phosphate ratio indicates the surface implant coverage.coverage.

► ► No signs of inflammatory reactions were found upon No signs of inflammatory reactions were found upon histological examination.histological examination.

By using this animal model, the biocompatibility and osseointegration of By using this animal model, the biocompatibility and osseointegration of new Alnew Al22OO33-ZrO-ZrO22-TiO-TiO22 ceramic ceramic was demonstrated .was demonstrated .

References:References:

[1] M. Navarro, A. Michiardi, O.Castano, J.A. Planell, Biomaterials in orthopaedics, J.R. Soc.Interface (2008), 5, 1137. [2] G. Henes, B.Ben-Nissan, Innovative Bioceramics, Materials Forum 27 (2004), 104.

Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements:

This research was accomplished in the framework of Romania-Turkey Bilateral Cooperation, project nr. 385/2010.