In vitro bioactivity of novel tricalcium silicate ceramics

In this study, bone-like apatite-formation ability of tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5) ceramics in simulated body fluid (SBF) was evaluated and the in vitro degradability was investigated by soaking in Ringer's solution. The effect of ionic products from Ca3SiO5 dissolution on osteobalsts proliferation was investigated. The result indicated that hydroxyapatite (HA) was formed on the surface of the Ca3SiO5 ceramics after soaking in SBF for 1 day, and Ca3SiO5 ceramics could degraded in Ringer's solution. The Si ions from Ca3SiO5 dissolution at certain concentration range significantly stimulated osteoblasts proliferation. Our results show that Ca3SiO5 ceramics possess bone-like apatite-formation ability and degradability, and can release soluble ionic products to stimulate cell proliferation.