Search Results (80)

Due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, injectability, and self-setting properties, calcium–magnesium phosphate cements (MCPCs) have proven to be effective biomaterials for bone defect filling. Two types of MCPC powders based on the magnesium whitlockite or stanfieldite phases with MgO with different magnesium contents (20 and 60%) were synthesised. The effects of magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) on functional properties such as setting time, temperature, mechanical strength, injectability, cohesion, and in vitro degradation kinetics, as well as cytocompatibility in the MG-63 cell line and the osteogenic differentiation of BM hMSCs in vitro, were analysed. The introduction of NaHA into the cement liquid results in an increase in injectability of up to 83%, provides a compressive strength of up to 22 MPa, and shows a reasonable setting time of about 20 min without an exothermic reaction. These cements had the ability to support MG-63 cell adhesion, proliferation, and spread and the osteogenic differentiation of BM hMSCs in vitro, stimulating ALPL, SP7, and RUNX2 gene expression and ALPL production. The combination of the studied physicochemical and biological properties of the developed cement compositions characterises them as bioactive, cytocompatible, and promising biomaterials for bone defect reconstruction. Full article

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based bone cements are widely used in orthopaedic surgery, yet their inherent brittleness, lack of bioactivity, and exothermic polymerization remain critical limitations. Recent strategies have focused on modifying PMMA with functional additives to improve not only mechanical performance but also thermal behaviour and biological interactions. This study investigates the mechanical properties of two commercial PMMA cements—Palamed^® (antibiotic-free) and Refobacin Plus G (gentamicin-loaded)—reinforced with glassy carbon (GC) particles of two different grain sizes (0.4–1.2 µm and 20–50 µm) and various concentrations. The results demonstrate that coarse GC particles (20–50 µm) significantly reduced compressive strength, particularly in the antibiotic-loaded cement. In contrast, the incorporation of fine GC particles (0.4–1.2 µm) did not markedly impair mechanical performance in Palamed^®, suggesting better compatibility with the PMMA matrix. In addition to mechanical enhancement, the structural and chemical stability of glassy carbon may contribute to improved biological response and reduced polymerization heat. These findings highlight the potential of glassy carbon as a functional additive for designing PMMA-based biomaterials that combine improved mechanical properties with favourable characteristics for long-term implant integration. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to enhance the biological properties of hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) by incorporating organic and inorganic components, specifically elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and bioactive glass (BAG). We focused on the effects of these composites on the viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs). (2) Methods: Proroot MTA was supplemented with 1–5 wt% 63S BAG and 10 wt% ELP. The experimental groups contained various combinations of HSCS with ELP and BAG. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and transwell assays, and osteogenic activity was determined through Alizarin Red S staining and a gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers (ALP, RUNX-2, OCN, and Col1A2). (3) Results: The combination of ELP and BAG significantly enhanced the viability of hPDLFs with an optimal BAG concentration of 1–4%. Cell migration assays demonstrated faster migration rates in groups with 2–4% BAG and ELP incorporation. Osteogenic activity was the highest with 2–3% BAG incorporation with ELP, as evidenced by intense Alizarin Red S staining and the upregulation of osteogenic differentiation markers. (4) Conclusions: The incorporation of ELP (organic) and BAG (inorganic) into HCSC significantly enhances the viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLFs. These findings suggest that composite HCSC might support healing in destructed bone lesions in endodontics. Full article

Repairing or reconstructing significant bone defects is typically challenging. In the present study, two composite cements were used as scaffolds in a sub-critical femoral defect in rats. A control group and two experimental batches were used to compare the outcomes. This research aimed to investigate the osteogenic potential and toxicological tolerance of the bioproducts through histopathology and computed tomography imaging analysis at 14, 28, 56, and 90 days post-implantation. The biomaterials used in the investigation consisted of a 65% bioactive salinized inorganic filler and a 25% weight organic matrix. The organic part of the biomaterial was composed of Bis-GMA (bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate), UDMA (urethane dimethacrylate), HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate), and TEGDMA (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate), while the inorganic filler was composed of silica, barium glass, hydroxyapatite, and fluor aluminosilicate glass. The first findings of this research are encouraging, revealing that there is a slight difference between the groups treated with biomaterials, but it might be an effective approach for managing bone abnormalities. Material C1 exhibited a faster bone defect healing time compared to material C2, where bone fractures occurred in some individuals. It is unclear if the fractures were caused by the presence of the biomaterial C2 or whether additional variables were to blame. By the end of the research, the mice appeared to tolerate the biomaterials without exhibiting any inflammatory or rejection responses. Full article

Recent developments in biomaterials have resulted in the creation of cement composites with potential wound treatment properties, even though they are currently mainly employed for bone regeneration. Their ability to improve skin restoration after surgery is worth noting. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the ability of composite cement to promote wound healing in a rat experimental model. Full-thickness 5 mm skin defects were created, and the biomaterials were applied as wound dressings. The hybrid light-cured cement composites possess an organic matrix (Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and HEMA) and an inorganic phase (bioglasses, silica, and hydroxyapatite). The organic phase also contains γ-methacryloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane, which is produced by distributing bioactive silanized inorganic filler particles. The repair of the defect is assessed using a selection of macroscopic and microscopic protocols, including wound closure rate, histopathological analysis, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility. Both composites exerted a favorable influence on cells, although the C1 product demonstrated a more extensive healing mechanism. Histological examination of the kidney and liver tissues revealed no evidence of toxicity. There were no notable negative outcomes in the treated groups, demonstrating the biocompatibility and efficacy of these bioproducts. By day 15, the skin of both groups had healed completely. This research introduces a pioneering strategy by utilizing composite cements, traditionally used in dentistry, in the context of skin wound healing. Full article

Despite years of extensive research, achieving the optimal properties for calcium phosphate-based biomaterials remains an ongoing challenge. Recently, ‘biomicroconcretes’ systems consisting of setting-phase-forming bone cement matrix and aggregates (granules/microspheres) have been developed and studied. However, further investigations are necessary to clarify the complex interplay between the synthesis, structure, and properties of these materials. This article focusses on the development and potential applications of hybrid biomaterials based on alpha-tricalcium phosphate (αTCP), hydroxyapatite (HA) and methylcellulose (MC) modified with silver (0.1 wt.% or 1.0 wt.%). The study presents the synthesis and characterization of silver-modified hybrid granules and seeks to determine the possibility and efficiency of incorporating these hybrid granules into αTCP-based biomicroconcretes. The αTCP and hydroxyapatite provide structural integrity and osteoconductivity, the presence of silver imparts antimicrobial properties, and MC allows for the self-assembling of granules. This combination creates an ideal environment for bone regeneration, while it potentially may prevent bacterial colonization and infection. The material’s chemical and phase composition, setting times, compressive strength, microstructure, chemical stability, and bioactive potential in simulated body fluid are systematically investigated. The results of the setting time measurements showed that both the size and the composition of granules (especially the hybrid nature) have an impact on the setting process of biomicroconcretes. The addition of silver resulted in prolonged setting times compared to the unmodified materials. Developed biomicroconcretes, despite exhibiting lower compressive strength compared to traditional calcium phosphate cements, fall within the range of human cancellous bone and demonstrate chemical stability and bioactive potential, indicating their suitability for bone substitution and regeneration. Further in vitro studies and in vivo assessments are needed to check the potential of these biomaterials in clinical applications. Full article

Materials based on highly reactive α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) powder were developed and evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of different polymeric additives, such as citrus pectin or polyacrylamide (PAAM) modified with sago starch, neem flower, or rambutan peel, on the physiochemical and biological properties of the developed materials was assessed. The addition of modified PAAM shortened the setting process of bone cements and decreased their compressive strength. On the other hand, the addition of citrus pectin significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of the material from 4.46 to 7.15 MPa. The improved mechanical properties of the bone cement containing citrus pectin were attributed to the better homogenization of cementitious pastes and pectin cross-linking by Ca²⁺ ions. In vitro tests performed on L929 cells showed that 10% extracts from α-TCP cements modified with pectin are more cytocompatible than control cements without any additives. Cements containing PAAM with plant-derived modifiers show some degree of cytotoxicity for the highly concentrated 10% extracts, but for diluted extracts, cytotoxicity was reduced, as shown by a resazurin reduction test and live/dead staining. All the developed bone substitutes exhibited in vitro bioactivity, making them promising candidates for further biological studies. This research underscores the advantageous properties of the obtained biomaterials and paves the way for subsequent more advanced in vitro and in vivo investigations. Full article

Various natural wastes can be promising for mining more valuable compounds if some specialized extraction techniques are adopted. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a significant biomaterial that can be extracted from waste bovine bones by heating them at 700 °C and 900 °C. Based on this idea, we made a novel dicalcium phosphate (DCP) bone cement (BC) by extracting HA via the reaction with monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and trisodium citrate. The setting time, injectability, and compressive strength (CS) of this DCPBC were examined using various analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) attached with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The phase composition, surface morphology, and chemical compositions of HA and DCP were evaluated. A Gillmore needle apparatus was used to measure the initial and final setting times of the specimens. The CS values of the prepared specimens were determined using INSTRON Series IX. The in vitro dissolution behavior of all samples was evaluated by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) over 7 days at 37 °C. The final setting times of samples 3, 4, and 5 were 20, 24, and 18 min, respectively. In addition, the CS value of sample 1 before immersion in SBF was much lower (1.23 MPa) compared to sample 5 (21.79 MPa) after 7 days of immersion. The CS of the DCP after 3 days of immersion was increased to 33.75 MPa. The in vitro results for the dissolution and bioactivity of HA showed the highest degradation rate after 1 day of immersion and then decreased with the increase in the immersion duration. The HA layer thickness was considerably improved with longer incubation times. The proposed injectable DCP bone cement may have potential in future orthopedic applications. Full article

Magnesium silicate ceramics are promising materials for bone tissue regeneration and can be prepared through 3D printing of magnesium oxide/silica (MgO/SiO₂) cement pastes followed by calcination. Despite the growing interest in these formulations, additive manufacturing technology has only recently been explored for these cements, and the effects of admixtures and additives on such printing inks remain largely unexplored. In this study, we prepared various MgO/SiO₂ cement formulations with differing amounts of sodium orthophosphate, a setting retarder, and cellulose ethers, used as rheo-modifiers. The samples’ setting properties were investigated, and printing parameters were properly adjusted. The most promising formulations were then 3D printed and calcined to obtain forsterite bioceramics, which were further characterized using confocal Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gas porosimetry, and compressive strength tests. Our results revealed that the cellulose derivatives influence the printability of the MgO/SiO₂ formulations without affecting the hardening time, which can be adjusted by the addition of sodium phosphate. The use of fine-tuned formulations allowed for the preparation of 3D-printed forsterite bioceramics, potentially suitable for biological applications as cancellous bone scaffolds. Full article

Calcium sulfate bone cement (CSC) is extensively used as a bone repair material due to its ability to self-solidify, degradability, and osteogenic ability. However, the fast degradation, low mechanical strength, and insufficient biological activity limit its application. This study used magnesium polyphosphate (MPP) and constructed a composite bone cement composed of calcium sulfate (CS), MPP, tricalcium silicate (C₃S), and plasticizer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The optimized CS/MPP/C₃S composite bone cement has a suitable setting time of approximately 15.0 min, a compressive strength of 26.6 MPa, and an injectability of about 93%. The CS/MPP/C₃S composite bone cement has excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic capabilities; our results showed that cell proliferation is up to 114% compared with the control after 5 days. After 14 days, the expression levels of osteogenic-related genes, including Runx2, BMP2, OCN, OPN, and COL-1, are about 1.8, 2.8, 2.5, 2.2, and 2.2 times higher than those of the control, respectively, while the alkaline phosphatase activity is about 1.7 times higher. Therefore, the CS/MPP/C₃S composite bone cement overcomes the limitations of CSC and has more effective potential in bone repair. Full article

Bone defects resulting from trauma, diseases, or surgical procedures pose significant challenges in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The development of effective bone substitute materials that promote bone healing and regeneration is crucial for successful clinical outcomes. Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have emerged as promising candidates for bone replacement due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and ability to integrate with host tissues. However, there is a continuous demand for further improvements in the mechanical properties, biodegradability, and bioactivity of these materials. Dual setting of cements is one way to improve the performance of CPCs. Therefore, silicate matrices can be incorporated in these cements. Silicate-based materials have shown great potential in various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. In the context of bone regeneration, silicate matrices offer unique advantages such as improved mechanical stability, controlled release of bioactive ions, and enhanced cellular responses. Comprehensive assessments of both the material properties and biological responses of our samples were conducted. Cytocompatibility was assessed through in vitro testing using osteoblastic (MG-63) and osteoclastic (RAW 264.7) cell lines. Cell activity on the surfaces was quantified, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to capture images of the RAW cells. In our study, incorporation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in dual-curing cements significantly enhanced physical properties, attributed to increased crosslinking density and reduced pore size. Higher alkoxysilyl group concentration improved biocompatibility by facilitating greater crosslinking. Additionally, our findings suggest citrate’s potential as an alternative retarder due to its positive interaction with the silicate matrix, offering insights for future dental material research. This paper aims to provide an overview of the importance of silicate matrices as modifiers for calcium phosphate cements, focusing on their impact on the mechanical properties, setting behaviour, and biocompatibility of the resulting composites. Full article

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in orthopedic applications, including bone cement in total joint replacement surgery, bone fillers, and bone substitutes due to its affordability, biocompatibility, and processability. However, the bone regeneration efficiency of PMMA is limited because of its lack of bioactivity, poor osseointegration, and non-degradability. The use of bone cement also has disadvantages such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) release and high exothermic temperature during the polymerization of PMMA, which can cause thermal necrosis. To address these problems, various strategies have been adopted, such as surface modification techniques and the incorporation of various bioactive agents and biopolymers into PMMA. In this review, the physicochemical properties and synthesis methods of PMMA are discussed, with a special focus on the utilization of various PMMA composites in bone tissue engineering. Additionally, the challenges involved in incorporating PMMA into regenerative medicine are discussed with suitable research findings with the intention of providing insightful advice to support its successful clinical applications. Full article

Maintaining proper mechanical strength and tissue volume is important for bone growth at the site of a bone defect. In this study, potassium magnesium phosphate hexahydrate (KMgPO₄·6H₂O, MPC) was applied to gelma-methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) to prepare GelMA/MPC composites (GMPCs). Among these, 5 GMPC showed the best performance in vivo and in vitro. These combinations significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of GelMA and regulated the degradation and absorption rate of MPC. Considerably better mechanical properties were noted in 5 GMPC compared with other concentrations. Better bioactivity and osteogenic ability were also found in 5 GMPC. Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) are bioactive and proven to promote bone tissue regeneration, in which the enhancement efficiency is closely related to Mg²⁺ concentrations. These findings indicated that GMPCs that can release Mg²⁺ are effective in the treatment of bone defects and hold promise for future in vivo applications. Full article

Limitations of bone defect reconstruction include poor bone healing and osteointegration with acrylic cements, lack of strength with bone putty/paste, and poor osteointegration. Tissue engineering aims to bridge these gaps through the use of bioactive implants. However, there is often a risk of infection and biofilm formation associated with orthopedic implants, which may develop anti-microbial resistance. To promote bone repair while also locally delivering therapeutics, 3D-printed implants serve as a suitable alternative. Soft, nanoporous 3D-printed filaments made from a thermoplastic polyurethane and polyvinyl alcohol blend, LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT, have shown promise for drug delivery and orthopedic applications. Here, we compare 3D printability and sustained antibiotic release kinetics from two types of commercial 3D-printed porous filaments suitable for bone tissue engineering applications. We found that both LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT could be consistently printed into scaffolds for drug delivery. Further, the materials could sustainably release Tetracycline over 3 days, independent of material type and infill geometry. The drug-loaded materials did not show any cytotoxicity when cultured with primary human fibroblasts. We conclude that both LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT 3D-printed scaffolds are suitable devices for local antibiotic delivery applications, and they may have potential applications to prophylactically reduce infections in orthopedic reconstruction surgery. Full article

Bone defect repair poses significant challenges in orthopedics, thereby increasing the demand for bone substitutes. Magnesium phosphate cements (MPCs) are widely used for bone defect repair because of their excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability. However, high crystallinity and uncontrolled magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) release limit the surface bioactivity of MPCs in bone regeneration. Here, we fabricate chondroitin sulfate (CS) as a surface coating via the lyophilization method, namely CMPC. We find that the CS coating is uniformly distributed and improves the mechanical properties of MPC through anionic electrostatic adsorption, while mediating degradation-related controlled ion release of Mg²⁺. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo analyses, we show that the CS coating maintained cytocompatibility while increasing the cell adhesion area of MC3T3-E1s. Furthermore, we display accelerated osteogenesis and angiogenesis of CMPC, which are related to appropriate ion concentration of Mg²⁺. Our findings reveal that the preparation of a lyophilized CS coating is an effective method to promote surface bioactivity and mediate Mg²⁺ concentration dependent osteogenesis and angiogenesis, which have great potential in bone regeneration. Full article