Effect of phytic acid on physiochemical properties of magnesium oxychloride cement as a biomaterial

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) has been selected as a promising material for bone repair materials due to its prominent mechanical properties and non-toxicity towards mesenchymal stem cells. However, the limited water resistance of traditional MOC constrains its application range. Accordingly, this study investigated the impact of phytic acid (PA) on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and handling properties of MOC as a biomaterial, utilizing various macroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques. The results demonstrated that PA can enhance the mechanical strength and water resistance of MOC. Furthermore, multiple microscopic methods were employed to analyze the mechanism underlying the PA modification of MOC. These findings revealed that the insoluble gel-like structure was wrapped on the surface of the phase 5 crystals, which prevented the intrusion of water and improved the water resistance of MOC. Incorporating PA improved the injectability and degradability of MOC. Therefore, the development of this modified MOC provides a promising strategy for its application as a bone repair material.