Tricalcium phosphate
also: TCP, tribasic calcium phosphate, bone phosphate of lime (BPL).
Calcium phosphate is one of the main combustion products of bone (bone ash).
Chemistry: Tricalcium phosphate (tribasic calcium phosphate or tricalcic phosphate, sometimes referred to as calcium phosphate or calcium orthophosphate, whitlockite), Ca3(PO4)2.
It exists as three crystalline polymorphs α, α’, and β. The α and α’ states are stable at high temperatures. As mineral, it is found in Whitlockite. There are differences in chemical and biological properties between the beta and alpha forms, the alpha form is more soluble and biodegradeable.
It is used for the replacement of bony defects. It may be used alone or in combination with a biodegradable, resorbable polymer such as polyglycolic acid. It may also be combined with autologous materials for a bone graft.
Porous beta-Tricalcium phosphate scaffolds are employed as drug carrier systems for local drug delivery in bone.