Papers by Author: Hideyuki Minagi

Abstract: Newly developed porous β-tricalcium phosphate composed of rod-shaped particles was grafted into distal end of the left femur of female Japan White rabbit. As a control, hydrixyapatite generated in the same size was grafted. In both implants, 350µm in diameter-sized holes were created vertically and horizontally. Three weeks after grafting, margin of the β-tricalcium phosphate was absorbed by osteoclasts and bone formation was seen near the absorbed region. Twenty-four weeks after grafting, more than 80% of the β-tricalcium phosphate was absorbed and newly formed bone was prominently observed. The hydroxyapatite was not remarkably absorbed even 24 weeks after grafting, and newly formed bone was observed only in the holes created in the implants. These results suggest that porous β-tricalcium phosphate composed of rod-shaped particles has highly biodegradable and osteoconductive nature, and appropriate to bone graft substitute.

Abstract: Porous granules of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca3(PO4)2; β-TCP) were prepared from porous hydroxyapatite granules with calcium deficient composition synthesized by hydrothermal method. The β-TCP granules were composed of rod-shaped particles of about 10-20 µm in length. Rod-shaped particles were locked together to make micro-pores, and the size of micro-pores formed by tangling of rod-shaped particles was about 0.1-0.5 µm. The granule size, particle size, and micro-pore size could be controlled by our unique method. The porous granules of β-TCP must be suitable for the bone graft material and for scaffold of cultured bone.