Preparation of lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based composite ceramics having high compressive strength, osteostimulation and proangiogenic effects

Fairly high concentrations of magnesium and lithium are conducive to improving the osteogenic and angiogenic capacities. In the current study, lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based ceramics (AMP/LMPGs) were prepared from amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) at a low sintering temperature (650 & DEG;C), and the lithium/magnesium-containing phosphate glasses (LMPGs) were utilized as sintering additives. During the sintering procedure of AMP/LMPGs, the AMP reacted with LMPGs, producing new compounds. The AMP/LMPGs displayed nano-size grains and plentiful micropores. The addition of LMPGs noticeably increased the porosity as well as compressive strength of the AMP/LMPGs ceramics. The AMP/LMPGs sustainedly released Mg, P and Li ions, forming Mg-rich ionic microenvironment, which ameliorated cellular proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and proangiogenic capacities. The AMP/LMPGs ceramics with considerably high compressive strength, osteostimulation and proangiogenic effects were expected to efficiently regenerate the bone defects.

Automated summary

In this study, lithium-containing magnesium phosphate-based ceramics were prepared at a low sintering temperature using lithium/magnesium-containing phosphate glasses as additives. The ceramics showed nano-size grains and abundant micropores, and the addition of phosphate glasses significantly increased their porosity and compressive strength. The sustained release of Mg, P, and Li ions from the ceramics created a Mg-rich ionic microenvironment, which improved cellular proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and proangiogenic capacities. The ceramics with high compressive strength, osteostimulation, and proangiogenic effects are expected to efficiently regenerate bone defects.