In vivo biocompatibility and biodegradation of a Mg-15%Ca3(PO4)2 composite as an implant material

A Mg-6%Ca-3(PO4)(2) composite is produced through powder metallurgy method in this study to investigate it's in vivo biocompatibility and biodegradation in Zelanian rabbits. The metal ion concentrations in the rabbit blood are detected and the muscle, heart, liver and kidneys tissues are inspected for histomorphology analysis. The composite is implanted and fastened with the rabbit's prebroken femoral shaft to observe the biodegradation process. The results show that The Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ ions are in the normal range in the animal's blood during the whole experiment period. All the tissues are normal during the composite degradation process, which indicates the composite exhibits good biocompatibility to these visceral organs. The biodegradation of composite is benefit to stimulate the bone formation around the pre-fracture. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.