Physicochemical properties and biomimetic behaviour of α-TCP-chitosan based materials

In this paper we present a complex study on the preparation and characterization of the cement-type implant material composed of α-tricalcium phosphate and chitosan. α-TCP has already been used as an initial component of bone cement formulations. In most cases, however, it was synthesized using a solid state reaction. In our studies, highly reactive α-TCP powder was obtained by a wet chemical method. Chitosan is well known as a safe and biocompatible polymer. In our studies it was used to improve the characteristic of the cements. Chitosan was introduced into the bone cements in the form of acetic acid solution and acted as a binder for agglomerates of calcium phosphate grains but at the same time the impeded creation of interconnections inside the agglomerates. The concentration of acetic acid influenced the pore size distribution. In vitro investigations proved the high bioactive potential of the examined materials.