Effects of Adding Resorbable Phosphate Glass Fibres and PLA to Calcium Phosphate Bone Cements. Issue 3 (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hasan, Muhammad Sami; Carpenter, Nicholas; Wei, Teo Ling; McNally, Donal; Ahmed, Ifty; Boszczyk, Bronek M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied biomaterials & functional materials. Volume 12:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: Calcium phosphate cements -- Phosphate glass fibres -- Polylactic acid -- PLA; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2280-8000

Abstract

Background: Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs), due to their biocompatibility and degradation properties, are being widely investigated as a replacement to more commonly used polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for vertebroplasty. CPCs have shown the potential to be replaced by host bone tissue during the healing/remodelling process. However, brittleness and comparatively low strength restrict the use of CPC in load-bearing applications. Although porous CPC can integrate with bone over time, slow degradation profiles and poor interconnectivity between pores restricts osseointegration to the top layer of CPC only. Methods: Polylactic acid (PLA) and phosphate glass fibres (PGFs) were incorporated in a CPC matrix to overcome the problem of inherent brittleness and limited osseointegration. Results: Incorporation of PLA and PGFs within CPC was successful in achieving a much less brittle CPC matrix without affecting the mechanical properties of CPC. The area under the stress-strain curve showed that the total energy to failure of the CPC hybrid was significantly greater than that of the CPC control. Conclusions: The methodology adopted here to add PLA within the CPC matrix may also allow for incorporation of PLA cross-linked biochemicals. Micrographic studies revealed that it was possible to confer control over pore size, shape and interconnectivity without negatively affecting the mechanical properties of the cement. This tailorable porosity could potentially lead to better osseointegration within CPC.