Calcium sulfate is a dental biomaterial with potential to repair osseous defects; it can be used in vivo as a carrier for growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). PDGF is important in bone wound healing, initiating connective tissue healing and bone regeneration and repair.

Objectives: The adsorption of PDGF to calcium sulfate, its release and its effects on osteoblastic proliferation were investigated.

Methods: Calcium sulfate (Capset, Lifecore Biomedical) discs were constructed with ¹²⁵I PDGF-BB; gamma counting determined release of the growth factor. Cell proliferation assays were conducted using ³H-thymidine incorporation in human primary osteoblast cultures with BGjb media alone or in the presence of calcium sulfate discs with or without PDGF incorporation.

Results: . PDGF was found to be released from the calcium sulfate discs in an incremental manner steadily increasing over time, whether the discs were intact or ground to pieces to increase surface area. Human osteoblast proliferation was optimal at 1.6x10 ^-8 M PDGF and .01% FCS. Proliferation assays in the presence of calcium sulfate with PDGF (1.6 x 10 ^-8 M) demonstrated statistically significant increases (p<0.05, ANOVA) compared to calcium sulfate alone.

Conclusions: Based on these results, it appears that calcium sulfate supports osteoblastic proliferation and serves as a vehicle to release active PDGF. Therefore, these results suggest that calcium sulfate discs or pieces may be placed into an osseous defect as a source of growth factor to facilitate healing.

Back to the Dental Materials: VIII - Others-Non-metallic Program
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