Synthesization and characterization of chlorhexidine/calcium phosphate/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) bone cement

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) elements are important for bone growth and bone remodeling process while chlorhexidine (CHX) is mainly used as an antiseptic due to its broad antibacterial effects. In this study, CaP nanoparticles were synthesized by a wet chemical route from the precursors of calcium hydroxide (CaOH) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate, (NH4)2HPO4. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA polymer was incorporated into the mixture of CaP, acted as a matrix binder to form bone cement composite. Different concentrations of CHX (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM) were then added into the CaP/PLGA mixtures (CHX/CaP/PLGA bone cements). The bone cements were then characterized by ATR-FTIR, XRD and SEM analyses. The CHX was successfully incorporated into the bone cements, indicated by the appearance of aromatic amine and alkane C–H stretching vibrations which contributed by the ring and long hydrocarbon chain of CHX. The XRD spectra of bone cements showed poorly crystalline phase of apatite. A porous structure of bone cements was also observed with the dispersion of CaP nanoparticles over the PLGA. The CHX/CaP/PLGA bone cement is intended for bone resorption and bone infection applications that require further exploration on its capability to act as bone cement.