Brushite cement containing gelatin: evaluation of mechanical strength and in vitro degradation

Abstract

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are potential materials for repairing bone defects, mainly due to their excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Nevertheless, their low mechanical properties limit their usage in clinical applications. The gelatin addition may improve the mechanical and biological properties of CPCs, but their solubility in water may increase the porosity of the cement during degradation. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the influence of gelatin on the setting time, compressive strength and degradation rate of a brushite cement. CPCs were prepared with the addition of 0, 5, 10 and 20 wt% of gelatin powder in the solid phase of the cement. The results indicated that the setting time increased with gelatin. Furthermore, cement with 20 wt% of gelatin had an initial compressive strength of 14.1±1.8 MPa while cement without gelatin had 4.5±1.2 MPa. The weight loss, morphology and compressive strength were evaluated after degradation in Ringer’s solution. According to the weight loss data, gelatin was eliminated of samples during degradation. It was concluded that the presence of gelatin improved CPCs mechanical properties; however, as degradation in Ringer’s solution evolved, cement compressive strength decreased due to gelatin dissolution and, consequently, an increase in sample porosity.

The effect of bioactive glass particle size and liquid phase on the physical-chemical and mechanical properties of carbonated apatite cement

“…In another approach, the association of polymers with cements (CPC) has attracted much attention due to the beneficial properties that polymers can bring to cement matrices by improving their rheological, mechanical, and biological properties. Among the most used polymers in the orthopedic field and that have successfully associated cements are chitosan [18], gelatin [19,20], cellulose and its derivatives [21], and alginate [22]. Alginate is the most abundant marine biopolymer and natural polysaccharide that has been widely used in the biomedical field (e.g., tissue engineering, drug delivery, cell therapy) (Lee & Mooney, 2012).…”

Synthesis of brushite/polyethylene glycol cement for filler in bone tissue injuries

“…Rödel et al [27] studied PEG hydrogels in cement samples showing that there was no inhibition of brushite phase formation. Evaluations of calcium phosphate cements and their additives have been reported in recent years [28]. Tamimi et al [29] evaluated the effect of autoclave on the physical and biological properties of calcium phosphate brushite cements on in vitro/in vivo properties; the treatment resulted in a material with improved bone regeneration properties.…”