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Radiation sterilized bone response to dynamic loading
Marcin Mardas1, Leszek Kubisz2, Piotr Biskupski3
1Department of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Szamarzewskiego 82/84, 60-569 Poznan, Poland.
Summary
Radiation sterilization of allogeneic bone grafts impacts dynamic mechanical properties. Higher doses significantly decrease loss modulus and alter collagen denaturation temperatures and activation energy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiation Physics
Background:
- Allogeneic bone grafts are crucial in surgical procedures.
- Radiation sterilization is necessary to prevent disease transmission from allografts.
- Optimal radiation doses for bone sterilization lack international consensus, with concerns about mechanical property degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of ionizing radiation on the dynamic mechanical properties of bone.
- To determine the effect of varying radiation doses on bone's storage and loss moduli.
- To analyze the impact of irradiation on collagen denaturation characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Bovine femurs were machine-cut and subjected to irradiation doses ranging from 10 to 50 kGy.
- Dynamic mechanical analysis was conducted using a 3-point bending configuration across a temperature range of 0-350 °C and frequencies of 1-10 Hz.
- Collagen denaturation temperatures and activation energy were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in storage modulus were observed across different radiation doses.
- A significant decrease in loss modulus was noted at doses of 10, 15, 45, and 50 kGy compared to controls.
- Increased irradiation dose lowered the onset temperature and increased the completion temperature of collagen denaturation, with significantly higher activation energy at 50 kGy.
Conclusions:
- Ionizing radiation affects the dynamic mechanical properties of bone, specifically the loss modulus.
- Radiation sterilization alters collagen's thermal denaturation behavior, indicating potential changes in bone's structural integrity.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal radiation protocols for allogeneic bone grafts to balance sterilization efficacy and mechanical preservation.

