Abstract: β-TCP/PLLA porous carrier material was prepared by the improved process consisting of solvent casting, compression molding and leaching. A novel tissue engineering composite was
developed by combining β-TCP/PLLA composite with rat periosteum derived osteoblasts. Mechanic properties of the composite carrier were determined
with compressive strength and compressive modular measuring; Osteogenesis characteristics in~ vitro were evaluated by means of SEM examination, MTT
assay, ALP activity and OCN content evaluation; Ectopic osteogenesis was investigated in muscle of nude mice by the histological method. Results show
that β-TCP/PLLA porous structure has adjustable porosity and interconnected pores with 100～200μm in size; Compressive strength
and compressive modulus of the materials decrease sharply with porosity increasing. Mechanic properties of β-TCP/PLLA in low porosity are
superior to those of PLLA alone with the same porosity; β-TCP/PLLA composite is fit for the adhesion and ingrowth of periosteum derived
osteoblasts, and has no cytotoxicity; β-TCP/PLLA composite combined with periosteum derived osteoblasts possesses good osteogenesis
potential in vitro and ectopic osteogenesis capacity in vivo.

Key words: β-tricalcium phosphate, poly L-lactic acid, periosteum derived osteoblast, bone tissue engineering