Novel chelate-setting calcium-phosphate cements fabricated with wet-synthesized hydroxyapatite powder.

The hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder preparation process was optimized to fabricate inositol phosphate-HAp (IP6-HAp) cement with enhanced mechanical properties. Starting HAp powders were synthesized via a wet chemical process. The effect of the powder preparation process on the morphology, crystallinity, median particle size, and specific surface area (SSA) of the cement powders was examined, together with the mechanical properties of the resulting cement specimens.

Development of thermo-mechanical processing for fabricating highly durable β-type Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr rod for use in spinal fixation devices.

The mechanical strength of a beta titanium alloy such as Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr alloy (TNTZ) can be improved significantly by thermo-mechanical treatment. In this study, TNTZ was subjected to solution treatment, cold caliber rolling, and cold swaging before aging treatment to form a rod for spinal fixation. The {110}(β) are aligned parallel to the cross-section with two strong peaks approximately 180° apart, facing one another, in the TNTZ rods subjected to cold caliber rolling and six strong peaks at approximately 60° intervals, facing one another, in the TNTZ rods subjected to cold swaging.

Siloxane-poly(lactic acid)-vaterite composites with 3D cotton-like structure.

Trace amounts of ionic calcium and silicon species have been reported to stimulate the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of bone-forming cells. Composite materials comprising siloxane-doped calcium carbonate (vaterite) particles and poly(L-lactic acid) have been developed [siloxane-poly(lactic acid)-vaterite hybrid-composite, SiPVH] so far; they were designed such that calcium and silicate ions are gradually released from SiPVH and they show the chronic effects of ions on cellular activities. In the present work, SiPVH with a 3D cotton-like structure was prepared by electrospinning to obtain the major advantages of excellent bioactivity and ease of handling for bone filling surgery.