Development and Characterization of Nano-calcium Sulfate/Tri-Calcium Silicate Composite Material for Bone Regeneration Application

Abstract

Background and aim: In dentistry, bone grafting procedures are performed to augment the alveolar ridge in order to support teeth and implants. Biomaterials derived from natural bone have excellent bioactive and physical properties for use as bone grafting materials; however, they have some limitations. In this regard, synthetic biomaterials are introduced as alternatives. Synthetic materials, including calcium sulfate and tri-calcium silicate (Ca3Si), have been used as bone cements for their biocompatibility and bioactivity properties. Recently, a novel nano- calcium sulfate (nCS) material has been shown to be an excellent biocompatible material for bone regeneration applications. However, this synthetic material may lack adequate physical properties for some regenerative applications. The aim of this study was to characterize and investigate physical properties, such as setting time, hardness, and degradation rate of nano- calcium sulfate in comparison to a composite of nano-calcium sulfate + 10% tri-calcium silicate cement, as well as to assess possible cytotoxicity effects of the materials in-vitro. Methods: Nano-calcium sulfate and a composite of nano-calcium sulfate + 10% tri-calcium silicate were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), Vickers hardness test, setting time, a cell viability assay (MTT), and degradation experiments in-vitro. Results: Our results show the topography and elemental analysis of nCS, Ca3Si and the composite material. The studies reveal that the addition of 10% Ca3Si to nCS results in significant increases in Vickers hardness, decreases in setting times and in vitro degradation rate as well as maintenance of viability of primary human osteoblastic cells in vitro. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that a composite nano-calcium sulfate + 10% tri-calcium silicate cement might have enhanced physical properties for bone regeneration applications compared to nCS alone.