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Development and Testing of X-Ray Imaging-Enhanced Poly-L-Lactide Bone Screws
Wei-Jen Chang1, Yu-Hwa Pan2, Jy-Jiunn Tzeng3
1School of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Plos One
|October 15, 2015
Summary
Biodegradable bone screws incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles are X-ray detectable and enhance bone growth. A 20% iron oxide concentration in poly-L-lactic acid screws promotes osteogenesis and radiopacity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanosized iron oxide particles possess osteogenic and radiopaque properties.
- Developing radiopaque, biodegradable bone screws can improve orthopedic procedures.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable polymer suitable for medical implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate a novel, 3D printable, biodegradable bone screw composite using iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and PLLA.
- To determine the optimal iron oxide nanoparticle concentration for mechanical properties, radiopacity, and osteogenic potential.
- To assess the in vivo performance of these composite screws in a rabbit femoral condyle model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLLA bone screws with varying iron oxide nanoparticle concentrations using injection molding and 3D printing.
- Mechanical testing (three-point bending, ultimate tensile strength) to evaluate screw integrity.
- In vivo implantation in New Zealand White rabbit femoral condyles, followed by histological examination at 2 and 4 weeks.
- Radiographic evaluation of screw detectability and assessment of bone volume and histology.
Main Results:
- Incorporation of 30% iron oxide nanoparticles significantly reduced the ultimate tensile stress of PLLA screws.
- PLLA screws with 20% iron oxide nanoparticles demonstrated significant radiopacity compared to controls.
- After 4 weeks, PLLA screws with 20% iron oxide showed significantly greater bone volume compared to PLLA screws without iron oxide.
- Histological analysis indicated enhanced osteogenic capability with the iron oxide composite screws.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable PLLA bone screws incorporating 20% iron oxide nanoparticles are feasible, offering X-ray detectability.
- These composite screws exhibit enhanced osteogenic properties compared to PLLA screws alone.
- The developed material holds promise for improving orthopedic screw applications through enhanced visualization and bone regeneration.
