Non-decay type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement: composite with sodium alginate

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Conventional fast-setting calcium phosphate cement (FSCPC) exhibits poor stability when exposed to aqueous environments.
• There is a need for improved bone cements with enhanced hydrolytic stability and mechanical strength for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a non-decay type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement (nd-FSCPC) by incorporating sodium alginate.
• To evaluate the stability, setting time, apatite conversion, and mechanical properties of the developed nd-FSCPC.

Main Methods:

• Sodium alginate (0-2.0 wt%) was introduced into the liquid phase of FSCPC.
• The stability of the cement was tested by immersion in distilled water.
• Setting time was measured, and powder X-ray diffraction was used to analyze apatite conversion.
• Mechanical strength was assessed after immersion in distilled water at 37°C.

Main Results:

• The nd-FSCPC demonstrated excellent stability in distilled water, unlike conventional FSCPC (c-FSCPC).
• Setting time remained consistent at approximately 5 minutes, irrespective of sodium alginate content.
• Mechanical strength increased with sodium alginate addition up to 0.8 wt%, then decreased.
• Apatite conversion showed no significant difference across varying sodium alginate concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Sodium alginate incorporation effectively creates a stable, non-decaying fast-setting calcium phosphate cement.
• The developed nd-FSCPC exhibits promising mechanical properties and hydrolytic stability.
• Its biocompatibility and absorption characteristics suggest significant potential for orthodontic and oral/maxillofacial surgery applications, especially in blood-exposed sites.