An In vivo Experimental Study on Investigation of the Osseointegration of Zeolites A and Silicalite in Rats

Abstract

Background: Zeolites are naturally occurring and can be artificially synthesized hydrated microporous crystallized aluminosilicates. Thus far, medical materials have comprised polycrystalline materials, glass, glass-ceramics and ceramic-filled composites for bone repair. The study aimed to investigate the potential in vivo osseointegration of two types of zeolites (A and silicalite) in rats by histologically presenting the repair process. Methods: Bone cavities of 1 mm3 were formed in rats and filled either with zeolite A or silicalite to investigate the possibility of using zeolites to repair bone defects. A comparative histological evaluation was performed regarding the interaction of zeolites with bone tissue and their osseointegration capacity for 15, 30 and 45-day intervals. Result: According to the results obtained, the growth of both fibrous and bone tissues took place around the zeolites placed in the live organism. It was observed that the zeolites used in this study did not give rise to necrosis, local tissue reaction, allergic or and any other harmful response. In conclusion, histopathology revealed that zeolites A and silicalite were biocompatible with the bone and could integrate with it at certain time intervals.