Zi-Ran-Tong loaded brushite bone cement with enhanced osteoblast mineralization ability in vitro

[Display omitted] •Fe-loaded brushite bone cement was prepared by using Zi-Ran-Tong (pyrite) extracted fluid as cement liquid.•The cement phase composition was dominated by brushite.•The cement exhibited no cytotoxicity to MG-63 cells and enhanced osteoblasts spreading and calcifying ability. In this study, traditional Chinese medicine Zi-Ran-Tong (pyrite) extracted fluid rich-in-iron was used as cement liquid to prepare novel iron-loaded brushite bone cement. The microstructure and in vitro biological properties of the cement were investigated. The results showed that the phase composition of the novel cement was dominated by brushite while the surface morphology was significantly changed. Moreover, the cement showed no cytotoxicity to human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. Additionally, the cement not only promoted the osteoblasts adhesion and spread but also enhanced the calcification ability. Therefore, Zi-Ran-Tong loaded brushite bone cement could be potentially used as bone repair material.