Titanium Implant Osseointegration Problems with Alternate Solutions Using Epoxy/Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composite

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Materials Engineering

Background:

• Titanium is the standard for bone implants, offering osseointegration via a TiO2 oxide layer.
• Titanium implants can fail due to corrosion, inflammation, and infection, often linked to poor vasculature and host-cell reactions.
• Current limitations necessitate exploring alternative materials for enhanced implant longevity and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in polymer matrix composites (PMCs) for bone implants.
• To evaluate PMCs as a potential alternative to titanium, focusing on improving osseointegration and biocompatibility.
• To discuss the role of carbon fiber reinforcement and additives in PMC performance.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on titanium implants, corrosion, and infection mechanisms.
• Analysis of recent developments in bisphenyl-polymer/carbon-fiber-reinforced composites.
• Discussion of biofunctional fabrication, mechanical properties, and additive incorporation in PMCs.

Main Results:

• Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) offer design flexibility and tunable mechanical properties.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement enhances PMC strength and potential for osseointegration.
• Additives like hydroxyapatite and antimicrobials can further improve PMC biofunctionality and reduce infection risk.

Conclusions:

• PMCs, particularly epoxy/carbon-fiber composites, show promise for superior osseointegration and biocompatibility compared to titanium.
• Low-temperature thermoset polymer processing allows for incorporation of functional additives.
• Further research into PMC surface interactions and in vivo performance is warranted to overcome titanium implant limitations.