The radiopacity of CAC-based compositions containing additives (ZnO, Ag and Bi 2 O 3 ) was evaluated by optical density measurements, cold crushing strength, apparent porosity, pore size distribution, in vitro apatite-formation ability (bioactivity) and cell viability. The bioactivity was assessed via pH and calcium concentration measurements in simulated body fluid (SBF) for samples previously treated or not with sodium silicate (SS) solution. The surface of the samples after treatment was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and confocal Raman spectroscopy. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Radiopacity results confirmed that compositions containing ZnO-Ag (25:1 wt%) and ZnO-Bi 2 O 3 (15:10 wt%) presented suitable values of radiopacity (> 3 mmAl). The identification of calcium and mainly phosphorus by EDX, highlighted the generation of an apatite-like layer on the compositions' surface after immersion in SBF or SBF/SS. CAC-blend containing 25 wt% ZnO, ZnO-Ag and ZnO-Bi 2 O 3 presented slightly lower cell viability compared to the positive control.
In this work blends based on calcium aluminate cement (CAC) containing bioactive glass (BG) (5, 7.5 and 10 wt%) and strontium oxide (1 wt%) were produced aiming improve their bioactivity and the capacity to stimulate the bone regeneration. In the first part, the blends containing only BG were characterized as theoretical density, microhardness, uniaxial cold crush strength after SBF and apparent porosity and pore size distribution before and after SBF treatment. In the second part, bioactivity and cell culture tests were also conducted in the blends containing BG and strontium oxide. The addition of 7.5 wt% of BG in homogeneous calcium aluminate cement (CH) improved its mechanical properties as microhardness and uniaxial cold crushing strength. The blends were more bioactive due to the presence of a highly soluble amorphous phase as confirmed by means of SEM/EDX mainly for 7.5 wt% BG without and with Sr from 1 day in SBF. FTIR analyses indicated the formation the apatite-like phase by means of increase of intensity of the PO 4 3peaks after SBF treatment. All blends allowed the development of the osteoblastic phenotype and the formation of mineralized matrix increased due to the inclusion of BG and Sr promoting the osteogenesis process.
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