Porous hydroxyapatite ceramics for tissue engineering.

We have determined the biocompatibility of high porosity (92%) sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) foams prepared using a novel ceramic foaming system. The ability of human osteoblast-like cells to grow within the HA foam was investigated in vitro using human osteosarcoma cells seeded directly on the ceramic surfaces to determine the bioactivity. Scanning electron microscopy showed evidence of attachment of numerous cells to the surface. Significant proliferation was observed and the pattern was comparable to that of the tissue culture control, Thermanox TM . There was an increase in cell proliferation and retention of phenotype for the period studied. This hydroxyapaptite foam which has the advantage of being easily fashioned by surgeons, shows potential as a bone substitute scaffold for tissue engineering and future development for clinical application.