Poly (propylene fumarate) /β-calcium phosphate composites for enhanced bone repair.

A composite based on poly (propylene fumarate) (PPF) was investigated as a potential bone repair material for clinical use and it showed low heat release, suitable mechanical property and good biocompatibility. The in-situ curing process would finish in less than 10 minutes. Compared with PMMA, PPF/TCP showed great decrease in heat release as the maximum temperature during curing process was 54.7 ± 1.69℃. The compressive strength were between 109 ± 2 and 133 ± 6 MPa and the compressive modulus was 146 ± 11 to 161 ± 27 MPa, which were believed to be compatible and further supportive to surrounding bone. Besides, the surface morphology and hydrophilicity could be tailored by adjusting the content of β-calcium phosphate (β-TCP). Relatively stable pH value during degradation in PBS solution implied that it would not bring about acidification when implanted in vivo. In addition, PPF/TCP would boost mineralization and the apatite-like deposits on surface may advance the integrity of bone and materials. Moreover, the PPF/TCP obviously degraded and new bone formed especially when loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in vivo. In summary, PPF/TCP composites showed suitable physical and chemical properties as well as good bioactivity and may therefore be a promising material for bone repair.