Morphology effect of bioglass‐reinforced hydroxyapatite (Bonelike®) on osteoregeneration

Abstract In the last decades, the well‐known disadvantages of autografts and allografts have driven to the development of synthetic bone grafts for bone regeneration. Bonelike ® , a glass‐reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) composite was developed and registered for bone grafting. This biomaterial is composed by a modified HA matrix, with α‐ and β‐tricalcium phosphate secondary phases. Aiming to improve the biological characteristics of Bonelike ® , new spherical pelleted granules, of different shape and size, were developed with controlled micro and macrostructure. In the present study, it was compared the physicochemical properties and in vivo performance of different Bonelike ® granule presentations—Bonelike ® polygonal (500–1000 µm size) and Bonelike spherical (250–500 µm; 500–1000 µm size). For the in vivo study, Bonelike ® was implanted on sheep femurs, with various implantation times (30 days, 60 days, 120 days, and 180 days). X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the phase composition of different granules presentations was similar. Bonelike ® spherical 500–1000 µm was the most porous material (global porosity and intraporosity) and Bonelike ® polygonal 500–1000 µm the less porous. Considering the in vivo study, both polygonal and spherical granules presented osteoconductive proprieties. The spherical granules showed several advantages, including easier medical application through syringe and improved osteointegration, osteoconduction, and degradation, by the presence of larger pores, controlled micro‐ and macrosctructure and suitable particle format that adapts to bone growth. Bonelike ® spherical 500–1000 µm showed improved new bone invasion throughout the material's structure and Bonelike ® spherical 250–500 µm appeared to induce faster bone regeneration, presenting less unfilled areas and less lacunae in the histological analysis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 292–304, 2015.