Development and characterization of bioceramic bone cements modified with gold-doped phosphate bioglass

The development of advanced biomaterials for bone repair addresses critical challenges in regenerative medicine. This study focuses on α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP)-based bone cements modified with melt-quenched phosphate bioglasses (P₂O₅–CaO–Ca(OH)₂–KF–TiO₂ and P₂O₅–CaO–Ca(OH)₂–ZnO–KF–TiO₂), doped with 500 and 2000 ppm of HAuCl₄·3H₂O. Gold was introduced as a potential contrast for diagnostic imaging. Bioglass was incorporated into the cement matrix at 10 and 20 wt%, and a bioglass-free cement served as a control. Physicochemical characterization included FTIR, XRD, setting time measurements, compressive strength, in vitro bioactivity evaluation, and chemical stability analysis. Results showed that bioglass addition shortened setting times and increased ion release but disrupted α-TCP hydrolysis, preventing hydroxyapatite formation. Compressive strength decreased due to poor interfacial bonding between α-TCP and bioglass. These findings highlight the need for formulation optimization to balance mechanical integrity, ion release, and bioactivity in bone substitute development.