Chitosan-Oligosaccharide-Bearing Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement: Preparation and Angiogenic Activity In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) offers advantages like ease of use but has limitations hindering clinical application.
• Improving CPC properties is a key research area for enhanced bone regeneration.
• Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) is a common bone substitute material.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the preparation of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bone cement.
• To incorporate chitosan oligosaccharide (COSM) into BCP particles to create a drug-loaded bone substitute.
• To evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the novel COSM-BCP material.

Main Methods:

• Optimized high-temperature solid-state reaction method for BCP preparation.
• Incorporated low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharide (COSM ≤ 3000 Da) into BCP particles.
• Characterized physical and chemical properties including curing time, compressive strength, and porosity.
• Performed in vitro drug release studies and angiogenesis promotion assays.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared BCP bone cement with a molar ratio of α-TCP/β-TCP of 1.
• Optimized BCP particles exhibited a curing time of 24 ± 1 min, compressive strength of 29.58 ± 1.89 MPa, and porosity of 52.09%.
• COSM-BCP particles demonstrated sustained in vitro release of COSM and promoted angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The developed COSM-BCP bone cement particles are a viable drug-loaded bone substitute material.
• The material exhibits favorable physical properties and promotes angiogenesis, suggesting potential for clinical applications.
• Further safety and pharmacodynamic studies support its development for bone repair.