In this work, we report brushite-based calcium phosphate cement (CPC) system to enhance the in vivo biodegradation and tissue in-growth by incorporation of micro-channeled hydroxyapatite (HAp) granule and silicon and sodium addition in calcium phosphate precursor powder. Sodium- and silicon-rich calcium phosphate powder with predominantly tri calcium phosphate (TCP) phase was synthesized by an inexpensive wet chemical route to react with mono calcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) for making the CPC. TCP nanopowder also served as a packing filler and moderator of the reaction kinetics of the setting mechanism. Strong sintered cylindrical HAp granules were prepared by fibrous monolithic (FM) process, which is 800 µm in diameter and have seven micro-channels. Acid sodium pyrophosphate and sodium citrate solution was used as the liquid component which acted as a homogenizer and setting time retarder. The granules accelerated the degradation of the brushite cement matrix as well as improved the bone tissue in-growth by permitting an easy access to the interior of the CPC through the micro-channels. The addition of micro-channeled granule in the CPC introduced porosity without sacrificing much of its compressive strength. In vivo investigation by creating a critical size defect in the femur head of a rabbit model for 1 and 2 months showed excellent bone in-growth through the micro-channels. The granules enhanced the implant degradation behavior and bone regeneration in the implanted area was significantly improved after two months of implantation.

Zinc (Zn) enhances bone formation with mineralization and is an essential element of osteoblastic proliferation. Silicon (Si) is important in apatite formation coupled with the promotion of osteogenesis. The primary focus of this work was the assessment of the bone healing capacity of calcium phosphate cements (CPC) composed of Zn- and Si-incorporated β-tri calcium phosphate (TCP) and mono calcium phosphate mono hydrate (MCPM). Zn- and Si-incorporated β-TCP was synthesized through a sol gel process with varying amounts of Zn: (3, 6, or 9% w/w) and 15% w/w Si. Fabricated CPC samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, setting time, injectability, compressive strength and initial pH change with time. Compositional analysis and the effects of Zn and Si on cellular interaction were evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, viability determination and F-actin assay. The data were used to optimize the CPC formulation. The efficacy of bone healing was investigated via implantation into critical sized rabbit femoral condyle defects for 4 and 8 weeks. CPC cement with 6% (w/w) Zn content was the best candidate for faster bone healing (bone to tibial volume ratio in 8 weeks: 22.78% ± 0.02). Significantly faster degradation was also revealed. Bone healing was significantly delayed when CPC cement with 9% (w/w) Zn was used. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 260-271, 2017.