Abstract:The effect of age on the calcification of bio‐materials was studied by the subcutaneous implantation of poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel in rats. The hydrogel sheets were implanted in rats 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks (1 year) of age. The retrieved implants were compared and the percentage weight increase by mineralization was determined quantitatively. Significant differences in the rate and amount of calcification were observed between the growing (6 weeks old) and the adult (≥12 weeks of age) rats. The onset of calcification in the adult rats was significantly delayed. The immature rats had deposits three to four times as heavy as the mature r
展开▼
