From Ocean Waste to Bone Healing: Ostreidae Shells as a Sustainable Biomaterial Elevating Osteocalcin Expression in Extraction Sockets

Post-extraction bone loss remains a clinical challenge. Calcium carbonate derived from wild Ostreidae shells presents a biocompatible and sustainable graft material. It has the potential to support osteoblast activity and promote osteocalcin-mediated bone regeneration. This experimental laboratory study with a post-test only control group design was conducted on 27 male guinea pigs undergoing mandibular anterior tooth extraction. Subjects were divided into three groups: (1) treatment group receiving calcium carbonate extracted from wild Ostreidae shells; (2) positive control group receiving BATAN xenograft; and (3) negative control group receiving no graft. Sacrifice and tissue collection occurred on days 7, 14, and 21. Osteocalcin expression was assessed via immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Significantly higher osteocalcin expression was observed in both the treatment and positive control groups across all time points compared to the negative control. No statistically significant difference was found between the Ostreidae group and the BATAN xenograft group. Calcium carbonate derived from wild Ostreidae shells can enhance osteocalcin expression and support bone regeneration following tooth extraction. This biomaterial shows promise as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for socket preservation procedures.