Mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and morphological analysis on interconnected macroporous structures

Calcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes since they are biocompatible and bioactive. Given that their chemical composition is close to natural bone, calcium phosphate ceramics are promising bone substitute materials in orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) are the most commonly used calcium phosphates, because their calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratios are close to that of natural bone and they are relatively stable in physiological environment. Furthermore, other critical parameters must be accomplished when designing a biomaterial for bone regeneration, namely: pore size, shape and interconnectivity [1]. Porosity is one of the most important factors since it influences the adhesion, migration nutrient supply and ultimately, proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, HA scaffolds with controlled porosity were obtained and their capacity to support human and rat mesenchymal stem cells attachment and proliferation was evaluated.