Effect of protein addition on the setting behaviour of a calcium phosphate cement

This study investigated the influence of the addition of various proteins to the liquid phase (albumin, fibrinogen and foetal bovine serum (FBS)) on the mechanical strength and setting time of a brushite forming calcium phosphate cement. Additions of 1 wt% protein to the liquid phase led to a deterioration in compressive strength of the set cement by up to 50%. The setting time was not affected by adding albumin and FBS but was increased by 50% with admixtures containing fibrinogen. The conversion of the reactants, beta-tricalcium phosphate and monocalcium phosphate, to brushite was found to be unaffected by addition of up to 10wt% proteins.