Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Polymer/ceramic composite matrices for bone tissue engineering were constructed by synthesizing a poorly crystalline calcium phosphate within poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres that were subsequently fused together to form 3-dimensional structures. Calcium ion dissolution from the composite matrices in simulated body fluid was examined over a 24 hour period. The initial 4 hour period showed an increase in calcium ion concentration, whereas, a decrease in calcium ion concentration was noted thereafter. This decrease in concentration coincided with the precipitation of calcium phosphate on the surface of the matrices. Osteoblast proliferation studies on composite matrices showed statistically significant increases in cell number throughout the 21 day time period. These data together suggest that the composite matrix acts as both a calcium ion donor for reprecipitation of calcium phosphate that may enhance osteointegration of the implant, and a suitable surface for osteoblast proliferation.