Design and properties of novel self-curing acrylic formulations for application in intervertebral disks restoration

Novel acrylic formulations incorporating an amphiphilic macromonomer, Triton methacrylate MT, have been prepared to be applied in intervertebral disks (IVD) restoration processes. The solid phase of the formulations is composed of poly (methyl methacrylate), PMMA, incorporating in some cases chondroitin sulfate, CS, as a regenerative bioactive molecule, whereas the liquid phase is constituted by MT and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, HEMA, and in some formulations acrylic acid, AA, was also added. These are prepared similarly to acrylic bone cement formulations. The obtained curing parameters, with maximum temperatures in the range of 41-72 degrees C, make them suitable to be applied as injectable systems. Glass transition temperatures and swelling degree have also been determined. Mechanical properties such as compressive, stress relaxation, and shear tests have been analyzed for all of the prepared IVD formulations exhibiting shape memory characteristics and a pronounced elastic behavior that make them as excellent candidates for the intervertebral application.