The effect of green mussel ( Perna viridis) shells’ hydroxyapatite application on alkaline phosphatase levels in rabbit femur bone defect [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]

Background: A non-union fracture is one of the most common complications arising from an untreated fracture. Bone grafts are able to fasten bone healing which can prevent and cure non-union fractures. Therefore, alternative hydroxyapatite bone grafts from waste resources are needed to increase the availability of bone grafts in the healthcare system. A bone substitute, hydroxyapatite (HA), has the ability to prevent non-union fractures. Green mussel shell contains 95.69 percent HA, allowing for an annual production of 133.97–287.07 tons per ha of HA, and is a potent alternative material in the manufacture of HA. Methods: This research was conducted for four months using a true experimental research method with a post-test-only control group design. This study used 36 New Zealand rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) which were divided into 9 groups: positive control, negative control, and intervention at weeks 2, 4 and 6 after the intervention. All groups were subjected to three general procedures: pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery. Results: The findings demonstrated that green mussel shell HA has efficacy in accelerating bone healing, better than HA bovine, as compared to the 6-week negative control group and demonstrated a significant difference ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Green mussel hydroxyapatite is proven to be able to fasten and maximize the bone healing process as fast as bovine HA, and even has higher efficacy than bovine HA.