Effect of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Addition on Mechanical and Biological Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cement

In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of graphene oxide (GO) addition on the physical-mechanical-biological properties of calcium phosphate cement (CPC). The in vitro cellular responses of MG63 and in vivo tissue responses after the implantation of CPC/GO in parietal bone defects of   wistar rats were also investigated.
The brushite calcium phosphate cements were prepared by mixing β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, Ca3(PO4)2] and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate [MCPM, Ca(H2PO4)2. H2O]. Inclusion of GO at the concentration of 0, 0.5, 2 and 5 wt% resulted in marginal decrease in setting time and significantly enhanced the compressive strength. New Ca-deficient apatite layer was deposited on the composite surface after immersing in SBF for 7 and 14 days. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images indicated that GO incorporated brushite cement facilitates cell adhesion. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of cells was improved compared with the pure CPC. Histological evaluation analysis showed that CPC/GO enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation in comparison with CPC.
We concluded that CPC/GO can overcome the flaws of previously developed natural CPCs and be potential candidates as bone cements for clinical application of bone repair and regeneration.