Dopant-dependent tailoring of physicochemical and biological properties of calcium silicate bone cements

BACKGROUND: To enhance calcium silicate cements (CSCs) towards a specific clinical application of endodontics and vertebroplasty, the addition of oxide dopants (Bi2O3, SrO, ZnO, ZrO2) as radiopacifiers allows for tailoring of material properties. OBJECTIVE: Effects of oxide dopants on the in vitro physicochemical properties and osetogenic activity of CSCs were investigated. METHODS: The setting time, compressive strength, radiopacity, and osteogenic ability of the cements were evaluated. The ability of cement samples to support MG63 attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization was assessed. RESULTS: The greater the oxide amount, the higher the setting time and radiopacity were in the cement. The effect of the oxide dopants on radiopacity followed the order Bi2O3 > ZrO2 > SrO > ZnO, which were greater than 3 mm of Al recommended by ISO 6876: 2001 standards. ZrO2 could reinforce compressive strength of the control cement, while ZnO remarkably reduced the strength. The adverse effect of Bi2O3 and ZrO2 was found on cell number, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization of MG63 cells. SrO supported cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation, and significantly increased cellular mineralization compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: The 20 wt% SrO-containing CSCs may be applied to endodontic treatment and vertebroplasty surgery.