Preparation and osteogenic properties of magnesium calcium phosphate biocement scaffolds for bone regeneration

Abstract

The regenerative treatment of large osseous defects remains a formidable challenge in today. In the present study, we have synthesized biodegradable magnesium calcium phosphate biocement (MCPB) scaffolds with interconnected macroporous structure (100-600 μm), as well as good bioactivity, biocompatibility and proper degradatibility. The results revealed that the porosity increased from 52% to 80% of MCPB scaffolds while the compressive strength decreased from 6.1 MPa to 1.2 MPa. We further assessed the effects of scaffolds on the rabbit femur cavity defect model in vivo by using synchrotron radiation X-ray microCT and microCT imaging, indicating that the MCPB scaffolds underwent gradually degradation and promoted the extensive neo-bone formation. © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab srl.