Characterising structural, mechanical and cytotoxic properties of coral-based composite material intended for bone implant applications

Studies concerning the application of Porites asteroides coral for bone implant purposes have demonstrated the biological viability of its use. As a complement to previous research regarding the development of bone-powder based composite materials which are useful for such applications, this study was aimed at developing a coral powder-based composite material which would be able to satisfy the appropriate structural, mechanical and cytotoxic properties required for its use. A composite material made of coral powder, calcium sulphate powder and water was therefore developed, and its properties were tested in different compositions. The results showed how the resulting composite material had properties which were comparable to those of human cortical bone (from both a structural and mechanical point of view), as well as being non-toxic below a 0.35 mg/ml critical composite material concentration.Diferentes estudios referentes a la aplicación del coral tipo Porites asteroides en implantes óseos han demostrado su viabilidad biológica para este fin. Como complemento a investigaciones previas relacionadas con el desarrollo de un material compuesto a base de polvo de hueso susceptible de osteo-implantación, el propósito de este estudio es desarrollar un material compuesto a base de polvo de coral, que satisfaga las propiedades estructurales, mecánicas y citotóxicas requeridas para ser considerado como un material adecuado para este fin. A partir de esto se desarrolló un material a base de polvo de coral, polvo de sulfato de calcio y agua, y se realizaron los respectivos ensayos en diferentes composiciones del mismo. Los resultados generales muestran que el material compuesto desarrollado posee propiedades comparables a las del hueso cortical humano (desde un punto de vista tanto estructural como mecánico) y adicionalmente no muestra evidencias de citotoxicidad si se utiliza en concentraciones menores a 0.35 mg/ml