OBJECTIVETo prepare a novel apatite-wollastonite bioactive glass-ceramic-calcium sulphate hemihydrate(AW-BGC-CSH) composite, to study its biocompatibility, and to provide experimental support for its further clinical application.

METHODSSamples of AW-BGC-CSH composite were prepared with different AW-BGC granules-CSH ratios (50%, 40%, 30%, 20%). Surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical features of the composite were measured. Osteoblasts were cultivated in vitro on the composite. Cell morphology, proliferation, and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts were examined to determine the biocompatibility of the composite.

RESULTSThe composite showed a three-dimensional pored structure with communicated micropores under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The plasticity of the composite could be maintained within 3 - 5 min. Its top solidification temperature was 36.4°C and the maximum compressive strength was 9.3 MPa. The osteoblasts adhered to the composite and grew well. At 1, 3, 5, 7 d after cultivated, the microprotein contents of the composite were (251 ± 12), (296 ± 31), (580 ± 13) and (571 ± 15) mg/L, and the ALP activity of the composite were (4.50 ± 0.68), (6.90 ± 0.27), (12.05 ± 0.28) and (11.86 ± 0.63) U/mg. The results of the ALP activity and microprotein contents in the experiment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe prepared AW-BGC-CSH composite has a three-dimensional pored structure, favourable plasticity, mechanical property and good biocompatibility.