Zirconium modified calcium-silicate-based nanoceramics: An in vivo evaluation in a rabbit tibial defect model

Over the past two decades calcium silicate (Ca–Si) based ceramics have been introduced as bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering applications and repairing bone defects. Recently, it is reported that zirconium modified calcium-silicate-based (Ca3ZrSi2O9, Baghdadite) ceramics stimulate cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. The aim of this work was preparation, characterization, and evaluation of biological properties of Baghdadite in the nanoparticles form. These nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method and were annealed at 1150°C. Fabricated nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, and MTT in vitro, then implanted to the rabbit tibia as a bone animal model. The characterization results showed that nanoparticles with expected composition were successfully synthesized using sol-gel method. According to MTT result, these nanoparticles were nontoxic. In addition, the proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells was increased after 96 hours of culturing in the presence of nanoparticles compared to the control. Histopathological results also demonstrated that the defected bone was completely regenerated when implanted with nanoparticles after 6 weeks. Taking together, according to the results, Ca3ZrSi2O9 nanoparticles as a bioceramic with excellent biological properties can be applied for improvement of bone lesions healing process in the orthopedic and dental applicatio