Basic studies on hydroxy apatite cement: I. Setting reaction

Bisphosphosphonate-calcium phosphate cement composite and its properties

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) has been studied extensively due to its bioactivity and biodegradability. CPC is typically made by a combination of multiple calcium phosphates that form a paste that sets and hardens in the body after being combined with either water or an aqueous solution. It is highly moldable and easily manipulated, and CPCs possess osteoconductive properties. Due to these characteristics, CPCs offer great promise in bone grafting applications. CPC combined with drugs has a great potential as drug delivery system and has been studied extensively. In this review we have focused on Bisphosphonate-CPC drug delivery system. In addition, we introduce and discuss the potential of studying other bisphosphonates.

An in vitro investigation of the mechanical-chemical and biological properties of calcium phosphate/calcium silicate/bismutite cement for dental pulp capping

The properties of new calcium phosphate/calcium silicate/bismutite (CPCSBi) cement were compared with those of calcium hydroxide (CH) and Dycal cements in dental pulp-capping applications. CPCSBi is composed of hydroxyapatite, tetracalcium phosphate, bismutite, and calcium silicate, which was analyzed by SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The results of ion release from CPCSBi showed that the concentrations of Bi(3+), Ca(2+), PO4(2-), and Si(4+) increased with time in deionized water solutions. The setting time of CPCSBi and Dycal was 13 min 50 s and 2 min 25 s, respectively. There were no statistical differences in compressive strength and solubility between CPCSBi and Dycal (p > 0.05). The pH of CPCSBi (10.9) was lower than that of CH (11.6) and Dycal (12.5) after immersion for 24 h. Only slight cytotoxicity appeared for CPCSBi, whereas both CH and Dycal produced moderate discoloration and lysis. In antimicrobial tests against Sm, Av, La, and Sa, the antimicrobial potency of the CPCSBi was approximately 5-10 times greater than that of Dycal and CH groups. The dissoluble dentin matrix components (DDMCs) extracted from CPCSBi exposed to dentin powder demonstrated increased expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and soteocalcin (OCN) dramatically in human pulp cells by RT-PCR. These results suggest that CPCSBi will be a good candidate for use as a dental pulp-capping agent in future.

Low temperature method for the production of calcium phosphate fillers

Background

Calcium phosphate manufactured samples, prepared with hydroxyapatite, are used as either spacers or fillers in orthopedic surgery, but these implants have never been used under conditions of mechanical stress. Similar conditions also apply with cements. Many authors have postulated that cements are a useful substitute material when implanted in vivo. The aim of this research is to develop a low cristalline material similar to bone in porosity and cristallinity.

Methods

Commercial hydroxyapatite (HAp) and monetite (M) powders are mixed with water and compacted to produce cylindrical samples. The material is processed at a temperature of 37–120 degrees C in saturated steam to obtain samples that are osteoconductive. The samples are studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Vickers hardness test (HV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and porosity evaluation.

Results

The X-ray diffractions of powders from the samples show patterns typical of HAp and M powders. After thermal treatment, no new crystal phase is formed and no increase of the relative intensity of the peaks is obtained. Vicker hardness data do not show any relationship with treatment temperature. The total porosity decreases by 50–60% according to the specific thermal treatment. Scanning electron microscopy of the surfaces of the samples with either HAp 80%-M 20% (c) or Hap 50%-M 50% (f), show cohesion of the powder grains.

Conclusions

The dissolution-reprecipitation process is more intesive in manufactured samples (c) and (f), according to Vickers hardness data. The process occurs in a steam saturated environment between 37 degrees and 120 degrees C. (c) (f) manufactured samples show pore dimension distributions useful to cellular repopulation in living tissues.

Calcium sulfate- and calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes. Mimicry of the mineral phase of bone

Calcium sulfate and calcium phosphate have provided the orthopedic surgeon a viable alternative to autogenous bone grafting as either an osteoconductive bone void filler or a bone graft extender. These materials mimic the mineral phase of bone and are resorbed at a rate similar to the rate of bone formation. Thus, they are able to provide some structural support and prevent ingrowth of fibrous tissue while facilitating creeping substitution by the host bone.