Evaluation of bone response to synthetic bone grafting material treated with argon-based atmospheric pressure plasma

Bone graft materials are utilized to stimulate healing of bone defects or enhance osseointegration of implants. In order to augment these capabilities, various surface modification techniques, including atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) surface treatment, have been developed. This in vivo study sought to assess the effect of APP surface treatment on degradation and osseointegration of Synthograft™, a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) synthetic bone graft. The experimental (APP-treated) grafts were subjected to APP treatment with argon for a period of 60 s. Physicochemical characterization was performed by environmental scanning electron microscopy, surface energy (SE), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses both before and after APP treatment. Two APP-treated and two untreated grafts were surgically implanted into four critical-size calvarial defects in each of ten New Zealand white rabbits. The defect samples were explanted after four weeks, underwent histological analysis, and the percentages of bone, soft tissue, and remaining graft material were quantified by image thresholding. Material characterization showed no differences in particle surface morphology and that the APP-treated group presented significantly higher SE along with higher amounts of the base material chemical elements on it surface. Review of defect composition showed that APP treatment did not increase bone formation or reduce the amount of soft tissue filling the defect when compared to untreated material. Histologic cross-sections demonstrated osteoblastic cell lines, osteoid deposition, and neovascularization in both groups. Ultimately, argon-based APP treatment did not enhance the osseointegration or degradation of the β-TCP graft. Future investigations should evaluate the utility of gases other than argon to enhance osseointegration through APP treatment.