Evaluation of 5% Na₂O-incorporated calcium metaphosphate as a scaffold for tissue-engineered bone regeneration

As a part of the effort to develop a suitable scaffold for tissue-engineered bone regeneration, we modified calcium metaphosphate (CMP) ceramic with Na₂0 and evaluated its efficiency as a scaffold. We incorporate 5% Na₂0 into pure CMP and prepare for an average pore size of 250 or 450 μm average pore sizes. The incorporation of 5% Na ₂O caused reduced compressive strength and there was no change in biodegradability. The in vitro cellular attachment and proliferation rate, however, were slightly improved. The 5% Na₂O-incorporated macroporous CMP ceramic-cell constructs treated with Emdogain® induced ectopic bone formation more effectively than those without Emdogain® treatment. These results suggest that the incorporation of 5% Na₂O into pure CMP is not effective for improving the physical characteristics of pure CMP but it is positive for improving the cellular reaction and osteogenic effect with the addition of Emdogain®.