Injectable Cobalt-Doped Brushite Bone Cement: Preparation for Biomedical Applications

Microwave-assisted wet precipitation method was used to synthesize calcium deficient cobalt-doped hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA]. Co-HA with a chemical formula of Ca10-xCox(PO4)6.(OH)2. Co-HA was reacted with monocalcium phosphate monohydrate [Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O] in the presence of trisodium citrate to furnish the corresponding Co-containing brushite cement (Co-Brc). Samples were characterized by using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The effect of Co2+ ions on the structural, mechanical, setting properties and drug release of the cement is reported. The Co-Brc cement was formulated with the addition of amoxicillin and ampicillin trihydrate, and their release curves demonstrated a continuous drug release with a rate of 77 and 80%, respectively, within 7 d. DCPD cements composed of powders and liquids can undergo strong reactions together with setting, followed by hardening. Despite a few studies on DCPD bone cements, comprehensive knowledge of their potential as biomedical implants is still lacking. In this study, the prepared cement specimens were thoroughly characterized to ascertain their setting times, structures, injection capacities, and mechanical properties. The injectable DCPD bone cement in this study can be potentially used as an orthopedic material in the future.