Experimental studies on a new bioactive material: HAIonomer cements

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are used in biomedical applications due to their lack of exotherm during setting and monomer absence.
• Improving biocompatibility and biomechanical properties of GICs for bone integration is crucial.
• Hydroxyapatite-ionomer (HAIonomer) hybrid cements were developed to enhance GICs for bone applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel hydroxyapatite-ionomer (HAIonomer) hybrid cements.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties (hardness, compressive, and diametral tensile strength) of HAIonomers.
• To assess the effect of maturation time on the mechanical performance of HAIonomers.

Main Methods:

• Ultra-fine hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were synthesized using induction spraying and heat treatment.
• Crystalline HA particles were incorporated into a commercial glass ionomer cement at varying volume percentages (4%, 12%, 28%).
• Mechanical properties were tested according to BS6039:1981, with comparisons to commercial GICs over one week.

Main Results:

• HAIonomer cements exhibited good mechanical properties, with some variations based on HA content and maturation time.
• Hardness generally increased over one week, except for the 12% HA group (H12).
• Compressive strength significantly increased for H12 over time, while no significant differences in compression or tensile strengths were found between materials at 1 day and 1 week.

Conclusions:

• HAIonomer hybrid cements are a promising new material for biomedical applications, particularly in hard tissue replacement.
• The developed HAIonomers possess favorable mechanical properties suitable for bone cements and preformed implants.
• Potential applications include otological, oral-maxillofacial, and orthopedic surgery.