Abstract
The efficacy of hydroxyapatite (HAp) as a carrier was investigated to establish a method of local administration of bisphosphonates (Bps), which has currently been administered systemically. HAp granules (300–500 μm in size) with different physicochemical features were prepared by altering the sintering temperature. To ascertain the physicochemical properties of the HAp granules, their crystallinity was assessed using X‐ray diffraction, the surface morphology was examined under scanning electron microscopy, and the specific surface area and calcium dissolution were evaluated. Different Bps‐HAp composites were subsequently prepared and the concentration of Bps released from these composites was measured. The influence of Bps‐HAp composites on the rate of osteoclast survival was also evaluated. The results revealed that (1) HAp solubility depends on the sintering temperature; (2) The concentration of released Bps could be controlled by regulating the sintering temperature of HAp as a carrier; and (3) Bps released from Bps‐HAp composites reduced the number of osteoclasts. These findings indicated that Bps‐HAp composites could be locally administered as a drug delivery system to areas with bone resorption. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006