Dental implants have been developed for enhancement of osseointegration. Biocompatibility, bone affinity and surface characteristics of dental implants are very important factors for osseointegration.

The aim of the present study was to determine the cytotoxicity and the bone affinity of titanium phosphide(Ti-P) implant material. The Ti-P surface was obtained by vacuum sintering of titanium within compacted hydroxyapatite powder. The composition and the chemical change of the surface were determined by Auger electron spectroscopy. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by the viability of the bone cells and macrophages obtained from chicken embryo and rat,s peritonium, respectively. For the comparative evaluation, 316L stainless steel, commercially pure titanium and Ti-P materials, prepared in size of 10.0mm in diameter and 5.0mm in height, were immersed separately in bone cells and macrophages for 10 days.

For the evaluation of the in vivo bone affinity, 316L stainless steel, commercially pure titanium and Ti-P materials, prepared in size of 5.0mm in diameter and 10.0mm in length, were implanted after drilling in diameter 5.5mm in femurs of 2 dogs weighing 10Kg more or less. Six weeks after implantation the specimens were prepared for histopathological examination and were observed under light microscope.

In comparison of in vitro bone cell viability, Ti-P and commercially pure titanium groups were not significantly different from control group(p>0.1), but 316L stainless steel group was significantly lower than control group(p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the viability of macrophages between 3 different groups and control group(p>0.1).

In comparison of in vivo study, 316L stainless steel and commercially pure titanium showed fibrous encapsulation, but Ti-P showed remarkable new bone formation without any fibrous tissue.

The results demonstrate that Ti-P has favorable biocompatibility and bone affinity, and suggest that dental implants with Ti-P surface may enhance osseointegration.