Biotransformation of implanted coral in some animals studied by neutron activation analysis

In vivo behavior of biomaterial is dependent on the site of implantation. Characterization by atomic element transfers versus the implantation duration is a quantitative approach to the phenomenon. Here, bioactive coral is implanted in ovine, porcine and rabbit thighbones and not in sheep jawbones as previously reported. Biopsies extracted between 1 and 24 weeks are analysed by fast neutron activation. Mineral composition of the coral is greatly modified: Ca, P, Mg and Sr concentrations become comparable to those of mature bone some months after the implantation. Results suggest a bioactive resorption followed by apatite formation.