Influence of dopamine on physicochemical and in vitro biological properties of calcium phosphate cement

The aim of this study is to improve the mechanical property of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) via adding of the biocompatible and adhesive dopamine (DA-CPC). The effects of DA on properties of DA-CPC were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), compressive testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphology, proliferation and differentiation of MC3ET3-E1 osteoblast co-cultured with DA-CPC were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy, Alamar Blue assay and alkaline phosphatase assay, respectively. It is found that the conversion of α-TCP and DCPD in DA-CPC is promoted due to the self-polymerization of DA and the phases of DA-CPC are similar to those of the control CPC. Meanwhile, the compressive strengths of DA-CPC are improved significantly with the addition of DA. The presence of DA in DA-CPC could promote the adhesion and the proliferation of osteoblasts in the initial stage, while it does not affect the differentiation of the osteoblasts. The present DA-CPC has good biocompatibility to be used in clinic potentially. The present study provides a new approach to improve the mechanical strength of CPC.