Behavioural responses of bone-like cells on dense and porous dicalcium phosphate dihydrate-coated β-tricalcium phosphate granules

The present study investigated the behavioural response of bone-like cells towards dense and porous dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD)-coated β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules. The surfaces of the dense and porous β-TCP granules were coated with a layer of DCPD through the dissolution-precipitation process by exposing them to an acidic calcium phosphate solution for 30 min at 25 °C. Subsequently, the specimens were characterised with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), dissolution and pH tests, and evaluation of initial cell attachment. The results demonstrated that the porous β-TCP granule surfaces coated with a DCPD layer contributed to the high concentration of calcium ions released and decreased pH values. Furthermore, the DCPD-coated porous β-TCP granules produced good initial cell attachment and enhanced cell viability for up to three days. The results would provide new insights to bioceramic researchers regarding the impacts of pore presence in accelerating DCPD-coated β-TCP granule cell responses.