Magnesium substitution in brushite cements

The use of magnesium-doped ceramics has been described to modify brushite cements and improve their biological behavior. However, few studies have analyzed the efficiency of this approach to induce magnesium substitution in brushite crystals. Mg-doped ceramics composed of Mg-substituted β-TCP, stanfieldite and/or farringtonite were reacted with primary monocalcium phosphate (MCP) in the presence of water. The cement setting reaction has resulted in the formation of brushite and newberyite within the cement matrix. Interestingly, the combination of SAED and EDX analyses of single crystal has indicated the occurrence of magnesium substitution within brushite crystals. Moreover, the effect of magnesium ions on the structure, and mechanical and setting properties of the new cements was characterized as well as the release of Ca2 + and Mg2 + ions. Further research would enhance the efficiency of the system to incorporate larger amounts of magnesium ions within brushite crystals.

► We employed Mg-substituted ceramics to induce Mg substitution in brushite cement.
► SAED and EDX analyses indicate the presence of Mg substitution in brushite crystals.
► New insights on the effect of Mg ions on brushite cement properties are provided.