Advanced Study on Preparation, Physical-Chemical Characterization, and Cytocompatibility of Polymeric Calcium Phosphate Cements

Background: Recently, much attention has been paid to calcium phosphate cements (CPCs)
because of their advantages in comparison with calcium phosphate bioceramics, regarding
in situ handling and shaping abilities Aim. Physicochemical mechanical and in vitro
biological properties of novel formulations of polymeric calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) were
investigated.
Methods: Monocalcium phosphate, calcium oxide, and synthetic hydroxyapatite were combined with
either modified polyacrylic acid, light activated polyalkenoic acid, or polymethyl vinyl ether maleic acid
to obtain Types I, II, and III CPCs. Setting time, compressive and diametral strength of CPCs was
compared with zinc polycarboxylate cement (control). Specimens were characterized using X-ray
diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity of CPCs and
control was assessed.
Results: X-ray diffraction analysis showed hydroxyapatite, monetite, and brushite. Acid-base
reaction was confirmed by the appearance of stretching peaks in IR spectra of set cements.
SEM revealed rod-like crystals and platy crystals. Setting time of cements was 5–12 min. Type
III showed significantly higher strength values compared to control. Type III yielded high
biocompatibility.
Conclusions: Type III CPC presented reasonable setting time, significantly higher compressive, and
diametral tensile strengths when compared to zinc polycarboxylate cement (control group). Type III
CPCs show promise for dental applications.