Angiogenic Rg /Sr-Doped TiO Nanowire/Poly(Propylene Fumarate) Bone Cement Composites.

A new approach is provided for preparing radiopaque and angiogenic poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) bone cements by integrating Sr-doped n-TiO nanowires and ginsenoside Rg1 suitable for treating osteonecrosis. High aspect ratio radiopaque TiO -nanowires are synthesized by strontium doping in supercritical CO for the first time, showing a new phase, SrTiO . PPF is synthesized using a transesterification method by reacting diethyl fumarate and propylene glycol, then functionalized using maleic anhydride to produce terminal carboxyl groups, which are subsequently linked to the nanowires. The strong interfacial adhesion between functionalized PPF and nanowires is examined by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing. An angiogenic modulator, ginsenoside Rg , is integrated into the bone cement formulation with the mechanical properties, radiopacity, drug release, and angiogenesis behavior of the formed composites explored. The results show superior radiopacity and excellent release of ginsenoside Rg in vitro, as well as a dose-dependent increase in the branching point numbers. The present study suggests this new methodology provides sufficient mechanical properties, radiopacity, and angiogenic activity to be suitable for cementation of necrotic bone.