Bone cements, as self-setting and injectable biomaterials, play a pivotal role in orthopedic and traumatological applications, serving crucial functions like bone loss restoration, implant fixation, and fracture stabilization. Recently, magnesium phosphate cements (MPC) have emerged as a noteworthy alternative to traditional calcium phosphate cements, acclaimed for their high mechanical strength, quick setting time, and optimal biodegradability. This research investigates the potential of gellan gum (GG) hydrogel as an enhancer for MPC, with a particular emphasis on improving their injectability.

The cement formulation under investigation was synthesized by combining a powder phase of magnesium oxide, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and a cross-linking agent with a liquid phase, including a GG solution and a plasticizer, forming an injectable self-hardening paste. The properties of the resulting biocomposite cement, such as setting time and temperature, microstructure, mechanical strength, biodegradation rate, phase and chemical composition, injectability, and human osteoblast compatibility were evaluated.

The developed MPC+GG cement demonstrated an effective setting reaction at lower temperatures, reduced fragility, as well as improved injectability potential, enhancing its suitability for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Further, its high biocompatibility, appropriate porosity and adequate biodegradation rate were confirmed. Ultimately, the findings indicate the substantial applicability of this novel biocomposite cement in biomedical engineering.

Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Gdańsk University of Technology by the DEC-3/2022/IDUB /III.4.3/Pu grant under the PLUTONIUM 'Excellence Initiative – Research University program.