The personalized design and customization of bone cement can be realized by adjusting the carbonization process of modified tricalcium silicate

Abstract Tricalcium silicate (C3S) has been attested to be self-curable, bioactive and biodegradable, but its high alkalinity could inhibit cell proliferation and differentiation. By designing the preparation process, biomaterials could be adjusted to confer the desired properties. This study showed that the pH value of modified C3S by carbonization (signed as C–C3S) notably reduced from 11.2 to 8.15 with adjusting the carbonization process. Meanwhile, C–C3S displayed a suitable setting time (from 9.49 ± 0.19 to 11.20 ± 0.18 min). In addition, its compressive strength can reach about 10.61 MPa, which is comparable to that of cancellous bone. Carbonation time was confirmed to be a key factor in the formation of calcite by using carbon dioxide modified hydrolyzed tricalcium silicate. The results of cell activity and proliferation suggested that the C–C3S had improved osteogenic activity. Therefore, personalized design and customization of biomaterials can be realized by adjusting carbonization processes according to clinical requirements for bone cement. C–C3S may be a promising material for bone repair.