Low Temperature Preparation of Resorbable Fluoroapatite Glass-Ceramics for Use as Artificial Bone
- Detailed Technology Description
- Researchers have developeda method by which a fluorapatite-based glass-ceramic composition can besintered at a low temperature of 775°C, and resulted in an apatite depositionmicrostructure that encouraged actual bone deposition upon the artificialstructure. The yielded density is close to 99% of the theoretical density,which demonstrated that the low temperature of 775°C did not negatively affectthe fluorapatite-based composition. Increasing the calcium to aluminum ratio promotedthe sintering process, and allowed for the control of both crystalline phasesand the formation of specific microstructures. The invention has a uniquemicrostructure consisting of flower-shaped fluorapatite crystals that promotesbiocompatibility. The structure is also known to further promote apatitedeposition, cell differentiation, production of collagen fibers, and calciumphosphate nodules. This methodology yields favorable results while sintering atlower temperatures than conventional artificial bone production methods,thereby creating a cost-effective bioceramic that saves time and money.
- *Abstract
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Inventors:Isabelle Denry & Julie A. Holloway
Background Information
Bone grafting is a surgicalprocedure that replaces missing bone in any application that involves bonestructure such as dental applications, repair of extreme bone fractures, andthe support for replacement joints. Artificial bone can be created fromceramics such as calcium phosphates (e.g. hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate),bioglass, and calcium sulfate. In most sintering processes, powdered materialsare held in a mold and then heated to a melting point that yields a solid. Traditionalbioceramics yield solids with low density, if melted at temperatures less than1000°C; or yield solids with limited crystallization, if melted at temperaturesgreater than 1300°C. Researchers at The University of Iowa have created acost-effective ceramic composition that can outperform hydroxyapatite ceramicsand glass-ceramics, that sinter to near theoretical density at temperaturesbetween 775-800°C.
Technology Summary
Researchers have developeda method by which a fluorapatite-based glass-ceramic composition can besintered at a low temperature of 775°C, and resulted in an apatite depositionmicrostructure that encouraged actual bone deposition upon the artificialstructure. The yielded density is close to 99% of the theoretical density,which demonstrated that the low temperature of 775°C did not negatively affectthe fluorapatite-based composition. Increasing the calcium to aluminum ratio promotedthe sintering process, and allowed for the control of both crystalline phasesand the formation of specific microstructures. The invention has a uniquemicrostructure consisting of flower-shaped fluorapatite crystals that promotesbiocompatibility. The structure is also known to further promote apatitedeposition, cell differentiation, production of collagen fibers, and calciumphosphate nodules. This methodology yields favorable results while sintering atlower temperatures than conventional artificial bone production methods,thereby creating a cost-effective bioceramic that saves time and money.
Advantages
· Lowtemperature required: The fluorapatite-based composition can be prepared viasintering at 775°C, well below the temperature required for existing artificialbone compositions. Consequently, manufacturing becomes efficient andcost-effective.
· Highdensity: Fluorapatite glass-ceramics yield a density close to 99% of thetheoretical density at 775°C.
· Biocompatible: Production of collagen and calcium phosphaterich nodules have been confirmed in human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.
Publications
· DenryI.: Holloway J.A.; Gupta P.K.; “Effect of crystallization heat treatment on themicrostructure of niobium-doped fluorapatite glass-ceramics,” Journal ofBiomedical Materials Research, Part B-Applied Biomaterials, 2012, 100B (5),1198-205. Link.
· DenryI.: Holloway J.A.; “Low Temperature sintering of fluorapatite glass-ceramics,”Dental Materials, Volume: 30, Issue: 2, Pages: 112-121, Published: FEB 2014. Link
University of IowaResearch Foundation (UIRF): 2013-026
- *Licensing
- Shannon SheehanUIRF ManagerUniversity of Iowa Research FoundationEmail: shannon-sheehan@uiowa.eduPhone: 319-335-4605
- Country/Region
- USA
