From these results a close relationship between the (a) the mice body weight and (b) plasma zinc level was observed.

<p>Zn-TCP group showed a significantly higher body weight with increased plasma zinc level.</p

SEM images showing the morphological structure of Zn-TCP (a) before, (c) after and β-TCP (b) before, (d) after 4 week implantation in OVX mice.

<p>From the images there is no significant structural change to the surface morphology with the exception of tissue growth around the sample material.</p

Assignment of experimental groups and treatments.

*<p>Special diet refers to calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc deficient diet.</p

The XRD pattern corresponding to <i>foraminifera,</i> β-TCP and Zn-TCP showing peaks matching calcium carbonate (JCPDS 5-0586) and tricalcium phosphate (JCPDS 9-169).

<p>The XRD pattern corresponding to <i>foraminifera,</i> β-TCP and Zn-TCP showing peaks matching calcium carbonate (JCPDS 5-0586) and tricalcium phosphate (JCPDS 9-169).</p

An outline of the experimental protocol for the production of Zn-TCP and procedure for the animal experiment.

<p>An outline of the experimental protocol for the production of Zn-TCP and procedure for the animal experiment.</p

The <i>in vitro</i> (a) zinc release in acetate buffer (70%) and PBS (0%) over 7 days and (b) the complementing Higuchi plot showing two phases of zinc release: surface zinc release (slope 1) and drug diffusion release from the matrix material (slope 2).

<p>The <i>in vitro</i> (a) zinc release in acetate buffer (70%) and PBS (0%) over 7 days and (b) the complementing Higuchi plot showing two phases of zinc release: surface zinc release (slope 1) and drug diffusion release from the matrix material (slope 2).</p

Image showing the difference from macroscopic observation between (a) implanted Zn-TCP and (b) direct injection of zinc exhibiting severe muscle deterioration.

<p>Computer reconstruction of the femur bone showed (c) the Zn-TCP placed near the femur bone and (d) the inhibition of bone extension due to the muscle breakdown.</p

Based on the CT scans, the cortical and cancellous bone BMC and BMD were measured.

<p>The percentage difference in the BMC of (a) cortical bone showed consistent bone increase and (b) cancellous bone showing significant increase by Zn-TCP group. The BMDs of (c) cortical bone showed no significant changes while the (d) cancellous bone BMD showed only the normal group having a significant difference.</p

Chemical composition of sample material.

<p>Chemical composition of sample material.</p