In vitro behavior of α-tricalcium phosphate doped with dicalcium silicate in the system Ca2SiO4–Ca3(PO4)2

Materials consisting of α-tricalcium phosphate doped with 1.5 wt.% and 3.0 wt.% of dicalcium silicate in the system dicalcium silicate–tricalcium phosphate (C2S–TCP) were produced and characterized in order to evaluate their potential applications in biomedicine. Bio-reactivity was determined with in vitro tests by immersion of materials in simulated body fluid for several periods of time as well as studies in adult mesenchymal stem cells of human origin (hMSCs-A). According to the results, the investigated materials are bio-acceptable since no toxic or other harmful evidence was detected. A carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) was formed on the surface of the α-TCP doped with C2S materials within 3 days. In addition, cell attachment assay showed that the TCP ceramics doped with C2S, supported the hMSCs-A cells' adhesion and spreading, and the cells established close contacts with the ceramics after 12 h of culture. These findings indicate that the TCP ceramics doped with C2S possesses good bioactivity and biocompatibility and might be a promising bone implant material.

► α-Tricalcium phosphate doped with dicalcium silicate as bioceramic.
► TCPss ceramics behave as cytocompatible and bioactive materials.
► TCPss ceramics promote the formation of B-type CHA precipitate.
► TCPss materials presented a layer 24.5% thicker than pure α-TCP.
► TCPss ceramics might be promising candidates as implant materials.