The effect of nanosilica on the microstructure setting process of tetracalcium phosphate/nanomonetite calcium phosphate cement mixture (CPC) with the addition of 5 wt% of magnesium pyrophosphate (assigned as CT5MP) and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured in cement extracts were studied. A more compact microstructure was observed in CT5MP cement with 0.5 wt% addition of nanosilica (CT5MP1Si) due to the synergistic effect of Mg2P2O7 particles, which strengthened the cement matrix and nanosilica, which supported gradual growth and recrystallization of HAP particles to form compact agglomerates. The addition of 0.5 wt% of nanosilica to CT5MP cement caused an increase in CS from 18 to 24 MPa while the setting time increased almost twofold. It was verified that adding nanosilica to CPC cement, even in a low amount (0.5 and 1 wt% of nanosilica), positively affected the injectability of cement pastes and differentiation of cells with upregulation of osteogenic markers in cells cultured in cement extracts. Results revealed appropriate properties of these types of cement for filling bone defects.
Keywords: hydroxyapatite composite; magnesium pyrophosphate; mesenchymal stem cells; nanosilica; setting process.