Transforming growth factor-\#b\1 incorporation in an \#a\-tricalcium phosphate/dicalcium phosphate dihydrate/tetracalcium phosphate monoxide cement: release characteristics and physicochemical properties

To improve the osteoconductive properties of calcium phosphate cement (CPC), rhTGF-beta1 was incorporated in CPC and its release from CPC pellets was determined in vitro. The effects of intermixing rhTGF-beta1 on physicochemical properties were also studied. Approx. 0.5% of the rhTGF-beta1 was released within the first 2 h, increasing to 1.0% after 24 h. The release of rhTGF-beta1 then continued at a rate of approx. 0.1% for up to 1 week, after which no additional release was noted. The physicochemical results show that calcium phosphate cement was not severely changed by modification for the addition of rhTGF-beta1. The addition of rhTGF-beta1 in CPC enhanced the biological response and did not interfere with the intended physical and chemical properties. (Original abstract - amended)