Polyfumarate has been considered as injectable and biodegradable bone cement. However, its mechanical and degradation properties are particularly important. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop the properties by compositing poly (butyl fumarate)-based networks with hydroxyapatite nano-powders. In this regard, the poly (butyl fumarate) (PBF) matrix composite was compared with different components by evaluating their composition, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability. Furthermore, their bioactivity in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and, via applying mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1), their cell interaction, including adhesion, proliferation, and in vitro cytotoxicity assay, were assessed. The addition of hydroxyapatite improved the mechanical strength and modulus of PBF matrix composite. The composite reinforced with 3 wt% hydroxyapatite showed a higher lap-shear strength (1.68 MPa) and bonding strength (4.30 MPa), a maximum compression strength at fracture (95.18 MPa), modulus (925.29 MPa), and compression strength at yield (31.43 MPa), respectively. Also, hydrophilicity and in vitro degradation of the composite were enhanced in the presence of hydroxyapatite. In this condition, after a period of immersion (52 weeks) in PBS, the weight loss rate, and degradation rate of the composite increased. The composite proliferation, adhesion, and toxicity of MC3T3-E1 cells improved in comparison to the PBF matrix composite. Accordingly, controllable strength and degradation of the composite, along with its proven biocompatibility, make the composite a candidate for the treatment of comminuted fractures.
Keywords: Biocompatibility; Degradability; Hydroxyapatite; Mechanical properties; Poly(butyl fumarate).
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