Applications - Bone Graft Substitutes

Bone Grafts and Synthetic Alternatives

Bone grafts play a vital role in replacing damaged or diseased bone that cannot heal naturally. Traditionally, natural bone sources have been used. However, each type presents challenges:

Autografts, considered the gold standard, involve harvesting bone from the patient. While highly effective, they require a secondary surgical site, which poses additional risks and limitations for large grafts.
Allografts, sourced from human donors, are restricted by availability and require surgery on two patients.
Xenografts, which use decellularised bone mineral derived from animals, carry risks related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and face regulatory challenges in proving adequate preparation and sterilisation.

To overcome these limitations, synthetic bone grafts have been developed, with hydroxyapatite emerging as a standout material. Its biocompatibility, excellent osteoconductivity (supporting bone ingrowth), and compositional similarity to natural bone—comprising 60–70% hydroxyapatite by dry weight—make it an ideal choice. Once implanted, hydroxyapatite grafts enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and bone ingrowth, promoting effective healing in cases where natural recovery would be insufficient due to void size.

CAPTAL Products for Bone Grafting

CAPTAL calcium phosphate biomaterials are engineered for high purity and crystallinity, reducing inflammation risk while enhancing long-term structural integrity.

CAPTAL® ‘R’ and CAPTAL® ‘S’: These materials are directly implantable and also suitable for additive manufacturing, allowing for the creation of complex 3D scaffolds with intricate microarchitectures. These scaffolds guide tissue regeneration and influence cell differentiation.
CAPTAL® ‘Spray Grade’ and CAPTAL® ‘HT’: These spherical particles are ideal for injectable void fillers. Their morphology improves flow characteristics and reduces the risk of inflammation.
CAPTAL® ACP and CAPTAL® ß-TCP: These resorbable materials gradually degrade in vivo, releasing calcium and phosphate ions that encourage osteogenic differentiation. They can also be combined with other biomaterials, such as hydroxyapatite, to create potent biodegradable grafts.

By leveraging advanced biomaterials like our CAPTAL products, synthetic bone grafts can overcome the limitations of traditional methods, offering innovative solutions for complex clinical challenges.

Popular Products Used for Bone Graft Substitute Applications

CAPTAL® Sintered Discs

Sintered ceramic constructs ideal for research
CAPTAL® ‘S’ Sintered Hydroxyapatite Powder

Sintered hydroxyapatite powder, available in spherical and angular morphologies.
CAPTAL ® ‘R’ Reactor Grade Hydroxyapatite

CAPTAL® ‘R’ is an unsintered powder designed for a high degree of crystallinity and surface area.
Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP)

High-purity, crystalline beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) designed for use in regenerative bone and dental therapies.
CAPTAL ‘HT’ Microspheres

High-performance hydroxyapatite microspheres designed for flowability.
CAPTAL ‘ACP 1.67’ Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP)

Amorphous hydroxyapatite precursor material designed for processability.
CAPTAL® ‘R-Sintered’ Hydroxyapatite Powders

Micron-scale, abrasive material designed for processability.
CAPTAL ‘ACP 1.50’ Amorphous Tricalcium Phosphate (ACP)

Amorphous beta-tricalcium phosphate precursor material designed for multipurpose use.