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Comparative study of bone cements prepared with either HA or alpha-TCP and functionalized methacrylates
A Canul-Chuil1, R Vargas-Coronado, J V Cauich-Rodríguez
1Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Apartado Postal 87, Cordemex C.P.97310, Mérida, Yucatán, México.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|December 11, 2002
Summary
Bone cement properties were investigated using hydroxyapatite (HA) or alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) fillers and methacrylates. Acidic methacrylates improved mechanical strength and temperature profiles but affected setting times compared to basic ones.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Orthopedic Engineering
Background:
- Bone cements are crucial in orthopedic surgery for fixation.
- Optimizing bone cement properties like setting time and mechanical strength is essential for clinical success.
- Investigating the influence of fillers and comonomers on bone cement performance is key to developing improved materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of hydroxyapatite (HA) and alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) fillers on bone cement properties.
- To assess the effect of methacrylates with acidic or basic groups on bone cement characteristics.
- To compare the mechanical and thermal properties of novel bone cement formulations.
Main Methods:
- Bone cements were synthesized using methacrylates with acidic (methacrylic acid - MAA) or basic (diethyl amino ethyl methacrylate) groups.
- HA and alpha-TCP powders were incorporated as fillers.
- Properties evaluated included residual monomer content, setting time, maximum temperature, glass transition temperature, compressive strength, bending strength, tensile strength, and shear strength.
Main Results:
- Residual monomer content was consistently low (<4.5 wt%) regardless of comonomer or filler type.
- Acidic comonomers (MAA) resulted in faster setting times, higher maximum temperatures, and higher glass transition temperatures compared to basic comonomers.
- Fillers slightly increased setting time but did not significantly alter other thermal or monomer properties.
- Both HA and alpha-TCP filled cements met minimum compressive strength requirements, though alkaline comonomer systems were weaker.
- Tensile and shear strengths were higher in cements containing MAA.
- No formulations met the minimum bending strength requirement.
Conclusions:
- Bone cement properties are significantly influenced by the type of methacrylate comonomer used.
- Acidic methacrylates (MAA) enhance thermal properties and mechanical strength but can accelerate setting.
- While HA and alpha-TCP fillers improve compressive strength, MAA-based cements show superior tensile and shear strength.
- Dry, unfilled MAA-based bone cements exhibit comparable mechanical properties to commercial CMW 3 but have inferior setting characteristics.