Ceramic Biomaterial Pores Stereology Analysis by the Use of Microtomography

The main aim of this study was to analyze microtomographic data to determine the geometric dimensions of a ceramic porous material’s internal structure. Samples of a porous corundum biomaterial were the research material. The samples were prepared by chemical foaming and were measured using an X-ray scanner. In the next stage, 3D images of the samples were generated and analyzed using Thermo Scientific Avizo software. The analysis enabled the isolation of individual pores. Then, the parameters characterizing the pore geometry and the porosity of the samples were calculated. The last part of the research consisted of verifying the developed method by comparing the obtained results with the parameters obtained from the microscopic examinations of the biomaterial. The comparison of the results confirmed the correctness of the developed method. The developed methodology can be used to analyze biomaterial samples to assess the geometric dimensions of biomaterial pores.

Modelling the degree of porosity of the ceramic surface intended for implants

The main goal of the study was to develop a model of the degree of surface porosity of a biomaterial intended for implants. The model was implemented using MATLAB. A computer simulation was carried out based on the developed model, which resulted in a two-dimensional image of the modelled surface. Then, an algorithm for computerised image analysis of the surface of the actual oxide bioceramic layer was developed, which enabled determining its degree of porosity. In order to obtain the confocal micrographs of a few areas of the biomaterial, measurements were performed using the LEXT OLS4000 confocal laser microscope. The image analysis was carried out using MountainsMap Premium and SPIP. The obtained results allowed determining the input parameters of the program, on the basis of which porous biomaterial surface images were generated. The last part of the study involved verification of the developed model. The modelling method was tested by comparing the obtained results with the experimental data obtained from the analysis of surface images of the test material.