Abstract
BackgroundThe inherent brittleness of calcium phosphate cement has limited its clinical application. Polyvinyl alcohol fibers have been demonstrated to enhance the tensile toughness of concrete matrices. However, only a few international studies have investigated the modification of calcium phosphate cement using polyvinyl alcohol fibers. These studies have predominantly focused on the macroscopic and microscopic mechanical properties, often neglecting comprehensive evaluations of the composites' osteoconductivity, degradation rate, and osteogenic properties.ObjectiveTo evaluate the cellular biocompatibility, bending strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of polyvinyl alcohol/calcium phosphate cement composites, as well as to assess their degradability and osteoconductivity, providing a theoretical basis for their potential clinical application.MethodPolyvinyl alcohol/calcium phosphate cement composite cement was prepared by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol fibers into the calcium phosphate cement solid phase. The degradability of the composite material was assessed via in vitro immersion experiments. Biocompatibility was evaluated by observing cell morphology and growth, using the cell counting kit-8 for assessing the cell viability and performing live/dead fluorescent staining. The impact of the composite on cellular alkaline phosphatase activity was determined using alkaline phosphatase assays. Finally, the composite material's bending strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness were measured through three-point bending tests.Results and conclusions: Incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol fibers significantly enhances the fracture toughness of calcium phosphate cement. Additionally, the bending strength and Young's modulus of the composite material are improved, addressing the high brittleness of calcium phosphate cement. The composite material maintains the excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of the calcium phosphate cement. Furthermore, the osteogenesis and degradation rate of the composite do not significantly differ from those of calcium phosphate cement.