Nanoscale surface characterization of biphasic calcium phosphate, with comparisons to calcium hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate bioceramics.

Objectives: It is our aim to understand the mechanisms that make calcium phosphates, such as bioactive calcium hydroxyapatite (HA), and biphasic calcium (BCP) and β-tricalcium (β-TCP) phosphates, desirable for a variety of biological applications, such as the filling of bone defects.

Methods: Here, we have characterized these materials by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS) and laser granulometry.

Results: SEM shows clearly that BCP is a matrix made of macro-organized microstructure, giving insight to the specially chosen composition of the BCP that offers both an adequate scaffold and good porosity for further bone growth.