Physicochemical and biological properties of calcium
phosphate/chondroitin sulfate bone cement containing tetracalcium
phosphate nanorod powders
Abstract
Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) is one of the main powder components in
self-setting calcium phosphate cements for hard tissue applications. In
this study, two types of calcium phosphate/chondroitin sulfate bone
cements in which TTCP powders in nanoscale-rod like (R-TTCP) and
micro-conventional irregular shape (C-TTCP) were used. The first one was
synthesized by reverse microemulsion chemical process and the second
one, was prepared by thermal conventional method. The results showed
that both cements formed hydroxyapatite as the result of cementation
process. The R-TTCP cement revealed a slightly longer initial but no
difference in final setting time, less compressive strength, higher
porosity and better degradation behavior compared to C-TTCP one. The
both cements presented similar tendency to the formation of a dense
hydroxyapatite on their outer surfaces through immersion in simulated
body fluid. Taking into consideration the initial porosity, the cement
made from R-TTCP rod like nanopowder presented more aptness to
participate in ion exchange in SBF resulting to fill the 15% more
initial porosity via the precipitation of hydroxyapatite mineral. From
the biological point of view, analysis of cytotoxicity and MG63
osteoblastic-cell behavior proved that the both cements had good
viability and proper cell adhesion and activity.