In vivo Testing of Bioceramic Coatings Using Animal Models

In vivo Testing of Bioceramic Coatings Using Animal Models 

To test the biofunctional performance of calcium phosphate coatings, in particular to prove that no adverse tissue reactions will occur, many animal studies are conducted worldwide. According to Wikipedia (2014), an animal model is a living, non-human animal used during the research and investigation of human disease, for the purpose of better understanding the disease process without the risk of harming an actual human. The animal chosen will usually meet a determined taxonomic equivalency to humans, so as to react to disease or its treatment in a way 

However, there are serious ethical issues associated with these types of animal model experiment. A careful balance is needed to weight pros and cons. Some of the concerns voiced are reflected in an editorial posted on the website of Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA as follows (Andre and Velasquez, 1988 see also Rollin, 2012)  

In addition to proving the potential for benefit to human health, minimisation of pain and distress, and timely and humane euthanasia, experimenters are required 

Replacement refers to efforts to engage alternatives to animal use. This includes the use of computer models, non-living tissues and cells and replacement of higher order animals (primates and mammals) with lower order animals (e.g. cold-blooded animals, invertebrates) or bacteria whenever possible. 

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