The Effect of Strontium Incorporation into CaSiO3 Ceramics on Their Physical and Biological Properties

CaSiO3 ceramics have been regarded as a potential bioactive material for bone regeneration. Strontium (Sr) as a trace element in human body has been found to have beneficial effects on bone formation. The aim of this study was to incorporate Sr into CaSiO3 bioactive ceramics and to investigate their effect(s) on phase transition, sintering property, apatite-formation ability, ionic dissolution, and human bone-derived cells (HBDC) proliferation. Sr containing CaSiO3 (Sr-CaSiO3) ceramics at various concentrations (0-10% Sr) were prepared. The incorporation of Sr into CaSiO3 promoted the phase transition from beta to alpha-CaSiO3 and enhanced ceramic densification but did not alter the mechanism and ability of apatite formation in SBF. The ionic dissolution rate of the Sr-CaSiO3 decreased compared to the CaSiO3. The addition of Sr decreased pH value in SBF. The effect of Sr-CaSiO3 extracts, carried out according to the International Standard Organization, on HBDC proliferation was evaluated. At high extract concentration (100 and 200 mg/mL), CaSiO3 was found to stimulate HBDC proliferation, however, the incorporation of Sr into CaSiO3 stimulated HBDC proliferation even at low extract concentration (ranging from 12.5, 25 to 50 mg/mL). Our results indicate that Sr-CaSiO3 ceramics improved the physical and biological properties of the pure CaSiO3 ceramics.