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Characterization of bone cements prepared with functionalized methacrylates and hydroxyapatite
M E Islas-Blancas1, J M Cervantes, R Vargas-Coronado
1Centro de Investigacíon Científíca de Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|November 23, 2001
Summary
Bone cement properties, including molecular weight and curing times, are influenced by comonomer type. Acidic comonomers improved mechanical properties, but tensile and bending strengths remained below requirements for some formulations.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Orthopedic Materials
Background:
- Bone cements are crucial in orthopedic surgery for implant fixation.
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based bone cements are widely used but their mechanical properties can be tailored.
- Comonomers can modify the polymerization kinetics and final properties of bone cements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acidic (methacrylic acid) and basic (diethyl amino ethyl methacrylate) comonomers on the properties of methyl methacrylate bone cements.
- To evaluate the influence of hydroxyapatite filler on the mechanical performance of these functionalized bone cements.
- To determine if the developed bone cements meet the minimum mechanical strength requirements for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Characterization using infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and mechanical testing (tension, compression, bending).
- Formulation of hydroxyapatite-filled bone cements.
- X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy for structural analysis.
Main Results:
- Comonomer type significantly affected molecular weight, curing times, and glass transition temperature, with acidic comonomers yielding faster curing, higher molecular weight, and higher glass transition temperatures.
- Residual monomer levels were not significantly affected by comonomer type.
- Hydroxyapatite-filled cements met compressive strength requirements, but only those without comonomer or with methacrylic acid met tensile strength requirements. Bending strength was insufficient for all formulations.
Conclusions:
- The choice of comonomer critically influences the polymerization and thermal properties of MMA bone cements.
- While hydroxyapatite-filled cements show promise, limitations in tensile and bending strengths necessitate further material development for orthopedic applications.
- Methacrylic acid shows potential as a comonomer for enhancing bone cement properties, particularly tensile strength.