The release of serum proteins and dye from glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) and acrylic cements: a pilot study

Abstract

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are composite materials with the potential for use as improved bone substitutes and cements. The hydrophilic nature of the GIC matrix may confer the ability to release therapeutic agents after surgical implantation which would aid the development of GICs for wider biomedical application. Acrylic and GIC were loaded (5% w/w) with either a model dye or high molecular weight proteins and eluted in vitro over 84 days to study simulated drug release. Serum proteins were also adsorbed on to the surface of acrylic and two different GICs and desorption measured over six days. GIC was a suitable matrix for simple dye and protein release, protein release being greater from the GIC than from the acrylic cement. Selective desorption from the two different GICs studied was noted indicating GICs may be formulated to release specific drugs or proteins.