The aim of this review is to introduce a novel bone-graft material for hard-tissue regeneration based on the calcium phosphate glass(CPG).

CPG was synthesized by melting and subsequent quenching process in the system of CaO-CaF₂-P₂O₅-MgO-ZnO having a much lower Ca/P ratio than that of conventional calcium phosphates such as HA or TCP. The biodegradability and bioactivity were performed. Effects on the proliferation, calcification and mineralization of osteoblast-like cells were examined in vitro. Influence in new bone and cementum formations was investigated in vivo using calvarial defects of Sprague-Dawley rats as well as 1-wall intrabony defect of beagle dogs. The application to the tissue-engineered macroporous scaffold and in vitro and in vivo tests was explored.

The extent of dissolution decreased with increasing Ca/P ratio. Exposure to either simulated body fluid or fetal bovine serum caused precipitation on the surface. The calcification and mineralization of osteoblast-like cells were enhanced by CPG. CPG promoted new bone and cementum formation in the calvarial defect of Sprague-Dawley rats after 8 weeks. The macroporous scaffolds can be fabricated with 500~800µm of pore size and a three-dimensionally interconnected open pore system. The stem cells were seeded continuously proliferated in CPG scaffold. Extracellular matrix and the osteocalcin were observed at the 2^nd days and 4^th week. A significant difference in new bone and cementum formations was observed in vivo (p<0.05).

The novel calcium phosphate glass may play an integral role as potential biomaterial for regeneration of new bone and cementum.