Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Biological Compatibility Profile on Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Published on: November 16, 2018
S Pina1, P M Torres, F Goetz-Neunhoeffer
1University of Aveiro, Department of Ceramics and Glass Engineering, CICECO, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Researchers developed new bone cements using Sr-substituted alpha-TCP and tested their properties. They found that these cements form apatite in simulated body fluid, suggesting they can mineralize like natural bone. Heat release during setting showed a two-stage process, with initial reactions within 10-15 minutes and a second peak after an hour. Sr-substituted cements had higher compressive strength in wet conditions than non-substituted ones. The study suggests these materials could be useful in orthopedic applications, such as filling bone defects.
You might also read
Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.
Area of Science:
Background:
Current bone cement formulations lack sufficient mineralization properties for long-term stability. While traditional calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have been used in orthopedic applications, their performance in simulated biological environments remains limited. Prior research has shown that brushite-forming cements can convert into apatite under physiological conditions. However, the rate and extent of this conversion are not fully understood. No prior work had resolved how strontium substitution affects cement properties during mineralization. This gap motivated researchers to explore Sr-substituted alpha-TCP as a novel material. The study aimed to determine if strontium incorporation could enhance in vitro mineralization. The findings could guide future material design for orthopedic implants.
Purpose Of The Study:
Researchers aimed to evaluate the mineralization potential of Sr-substituted alpha-TCP cements. They focused on how strontium affects cement behavior during setting and hardening. The specific problem addressed was the lack of durable bone cements with strong in vitro mineralization. The motivation came from clinical needs for materials that mimic natural bone formation. The team sought to trace the setting process and apatite formation in these cements. They also wanted to measure compressive strength changes over time. The goal was to assess whether Sr-substitution improves cement performance. This could lead to better materials for orthopedic use.
The study found that Sr-substituted cements form apatite in simulated body fluid, suggesting in vitro mineralization capability.
It tracks heat release during cement setting, revealing exothermic reactions within 10-15 minutes and a second peak after one hour.
Apatite mimics natural bone mineral, and its formation confirms the cement's ability to mineralize in simulated physiological conditions.
It allows researchers to observe how cements convert into apatite under conditions similar to the human body.
Main Methods:
The team used X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement to analyze cement phases. They prepared Sr-substituted alpha-TCP powders and hardened cements. Isothermal calorimetry tracked heat release during cement setting. Setting time was measured to understand the curing process. Cement pastes were immersed in simulated body fluid for 15 and 30 days. Scanning techniques identified apatite formation from brushite conversion. Compressive strength tests were conducted on wet cement specimens. The study combined structural analysis with mechanical performance evaluation.
Main Results:
The cements released heat within 10-15 minutes after mixing, with a second peak after one hour. Immersion in simulated body fluid led to apatite formation after 15 and 30 days. Brushite converted into apatite, confirming in vitro mineralization capability. Sr-substituted cements showed higher compressive strength than non-substituted ones. Strength decreased with longer curing times in wet specimens. The apatitic phase formation indicated successful mineralization. Heat release patterns suggested a two-stage setting process. These findings suggest Sr-substitution enhances cement performance.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that Sr-substituted alpha-TCP cements have potential for orthopedic applications. Their findings suggest that these cements support apatite formation in simulated body fluid. The two-stage heat release pattern indicates a complex setting process. Sr-substitution appears to improve compressive strength in wet conditions. The decrease in strength with curing time suggests a need for further study. The apatite formation confirms mineralization capability in vitro. These results may inform future material design for bone repair. The study highlights the role of strontium in modifying cement properties.
Sr-substituted cements showed higher compressive strength in wet conditions compared to non-substituted ones.
The authors propose that Sr-substituted cements may be suitable for orthopedic and trauma surgery to fill bone defects.