Optimization of calcium phosphate ceramic

During the past few years, tissue engineering has become one of the most promising techniques to maintain, improve, or reconstruct human tissue, even complete human organs. This solution is frequently based on the realization of temporary porous matrices, also called "scaffolds". These materials are highly porous matrices designed to structure the development of cells, but also to guarantee the function of the implant during the regeneration process. Several materials have been proposed for the conception of scaffolds, including calcium phosphate ceramics. Among these materials, the bioceramic class is composed of hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca5(PO4)3(OH), and β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), β-Ca3(PO4)2. These two products are frequently used, because of their chemical and structural similarity to human bones. These similarities explain good scores observed in vitro and in vivo in terms of biocompatibility and cell colonization.