Setting properties in SBF and in vivo of β-TCP cements modified using ball-milling

Abstract

β-TCP cement (mβ-TCP) powder modified using ball-milling was mixed with CaCl2 solution and NaH2PO4 solution at a total powder-to-liquid (P/L) ratio of 2.5. Compressive strength (CS) of set cement was evaluated, and the phase constitution was analyzed using X-ray-diffractometry (XRD). To clarify the effect of setting conditions on setting and degradation of cement, cement paste was set in air and set in the simulated-body-fluid (SBF). In addition, cement paste was filled into the molds, and the molds were inserted to the subcutaneous fascia of rat's backs to evaluate in vivo setting and degradation.The set cements exhibited higher CS values than those with lower P/L ratio and sufficient injectability, simultaneously. CS values of cement set in SBF and in vivo were not significantly different, they were significantly smaller than those of set in air. XRD profiles of cements set in vivo and SBF showed peaks of hydroxyapatite and β-TCP.