Work

Osteoblast and osteoclast responses to chelate-setting calcium phosphate cements with different solubilities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: • Chelate-setting calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) with single phases of α-TCP, β-TCP, and HAp were synthesized using inositol phosphate (IP6). • Ca²⁺ solubility followed the order α-TCP > β-TCP > HAp. • Osteoblast proliferation was highest on HAp, moderate on β-TCP, and lowest on α-TCP. • Osteoclast activation occurred in the order β-TCP > α-TCP >> HAp. • The β-TCP cement, releasing balanced Ca²⁺ and PO₄³⁻ levels, showed the most favorable resorption–replacement response. Artificial bone grafts are widely used to treat bone defects, and paste-type materials capable of setting into arbitrary shapes offer particularly high clinical value. We previously developed a novel paste-type artificial bone, termed a chelate-setting calcium phosphate cement, which uses inositol phosphate (IP6) with strong calcium-chelating ability. Earlier studies revealed a clear relationship between the in vitro solubility and in vivo resorption behavior of this cement; however, the cellular mechanisms linking solubility to biological responses remain insufficiently understood. In this study, chelate-setting cements composed of different calcium phosphate phases, α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and hydroxyapatite (HAp), were fabricated to clarify how ions released from each cement influence osteoblast and osteoclast responses. The IP6/α-TCP cement showed the highest release of calcium and phosphate ions, followed by IP6/β-TCP, whereas IP6/HAp exhibited the lowest release. In osteoblast assays, cell proliferation was greatest on IP6/HAp and lowest on IP6/α-TCP. Conversely, osteoclast differentiation was most strongly promoted by IP6/β-TCP and suppressed on IP6/HAp. Overall, the β-TCP-based cement provided the most balanced cellular responses for bone formation and resorption, supporting the established view that β-TCP offers superior resorption–replacement characteristics.

Source: Biomaterials and Biosystems

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2026.100129

Authors: Minami Kosuge, Kyokei Hazama, Kitaru Suzuki, Mamoru Aizawa

Institutions: Meiji University, Tokyo University of Science

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,340