Injectable dicalcium phosphate bone cement prepared from biphasic calcium phosphate extracted from lamb bone

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Calcium Phosphate Cements

Background:

• Brushite and monetite cements face limitations in clinical use due to rapid setting and poor injectability caused by liquid-solid phase separation.
• Incorporating specific ions into cement formulations can modulate setting characteristics and material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare an injectable bone cement using biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) derived from lamb bone.
• To evaluate the setting time, injectability, mechanical strength, and in vitro bioactivity of the prepared bone cement.

Main Methods:

• Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) was extracted from lamb femur bone via calcination at 1450°C.
• Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of Mg and Na trace elements.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified brushite (DCPD) and monetite (DCPA) phases.
• Setting times, injectability (≈90%), and compressive strength were measured.
• Apatite layer formation in simulated body fluid (SBF) was assessed over 7 days.

Main Results:

• The prepared bone cement exhibited initial and final setting times of 5.3 ± 0.5 min and 14.67 ± 0.5 min, respectively.
• Exceptional injectability of approximately 90% was achieved.
• Compressive strength increased from 2.88 MPa to 9.15 MPa after immersion in SBF for 7 days due to apatite layer formation.
• The DCPA phase decreased with reduced powder to liquid ratio (PLR).

Conclusions:

• Bone cement derived from lamb bone BCP demonstrates suitable setting characteristics and injectability for orthopedic applications.
• The formation of an apatite layer in SBF indicates good bioactivity and potential for bone regeneration.
• This BCP-derived bone cement is a promising candidate for bone defect repair and regeneration.