Abstract:

Foam SiC was prepared by macromolecule pyrogenation combined with reaction bonding method.The osteoblast-like cells MG63 were seeded and cultured in vitro on the foam SiC and observed under both SEM and TEM to further evaluate the cytocompatability of this novel material. The feasibility of the foam SiC as a bone replacement material for clinical treatment was also studied by establishing an animal model for repairing mandibular criticalsized defects in rabbits, and by using general observation, histological observation and bone histomorphometry.The results show that MG63 cells attach and grow well on the surface of the foam SiC, which indicates that the foam SiC is non-toxic and possesses good cytocompatibility. The 26 tested rabbits are all in healthy conditions and the wounds are healed completely. The different degree of osteogenesis is observed on both periphery and inner mesh of the foam SiC at each time point, and the foam SiC shows no adverse effect to the process of bone repair. It is found that both the rate of tetracycline fluorescence labeling and the new bone area on the foam SiC are lower than those of hydroxyapatite (HA) after 4w implantation, but there are no statistical differences after both 8w and 24w implantations, indicating that the foam SiC should be similar to HA in osteo-conduction ability judging from the long-term repair effect to mandibular defects.

Key words: foam SiC, bone replacement material, cell, animal implantation