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Mechanical properties and antibiotic release characteristics of poly(methyl methacrylate)-based bone cement
Kumaran Letchmanan1, Shou-Cang Shen1, Wai Kiong Ng1
1Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, A⁎STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Singapore.
Abstract:
The influence of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with antibiotics on the mechanical properties of functional poly(methyl methacrylate)-(PMMA) based bone cements is investigated. The incorporation of MSNs to the bone cements (8.15wt%) shows no detrimental effects on the biomechanical properties of the freshly solidified bone cements. Importantly, there are no significant changes in the compression strength and bending modulus up to 6 months of aging in PBS buffer solution. The preserved mechanical properties of MSN-functionalized bone cements is attributed to the unchanged microstructures of the cements, as more than 96% of MSNs remains in the bone cement matrix to support the cement structures after 6 months of aging. In addition, the MSN-functionalized bone cements are able to increase the drug release of gentamicin (GTMC) significantly as compared with commercially available antibiotic-loaded bone cements. It can be attributed to the loaded nano-sized MSNs with uniform pore channels which build up an effective nano-network path enable the diffusion and extended release of GTMC. The combination of excellent mechanical properties and sustainable drug delivery efficiency demonstrates the potential applicability of MSN-functionalized PMMA bone cements for orthopedic surgery to prevent post-surgery infection.
Insights
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) enhance antibiotic-loaded bone cement without compromising mechanical strength. These functionalized cements offer sustained drug release, crucial for preventing post-surgery infections in orthopedic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Orthopedic Engineering
Background:
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cements are widely used in orthopedic surgery.
- Antibiotic delivery is crucial for preventing post-operative infections.
- Enhancing drug release from bone cements while maintaining mechanical integrity is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of antibiotic-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) on the mechanical properties of PMMA bone cements.
- To evaluate the drug release kinetics of gentamicin from MSN-functionalized bone cements.
- To assess the long-term stability and potential of these materials for orthopedic applications.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of MSNs (8.15wt%) loaded with gentamicin into PMMA bone cement formulations.
- Assessment of mechanical properties (compression strength, bending modulus) of fresh and aged bone cements (6 months in PBS).
- Microstructural analysis to determine MSN retention within the cement matrix.
- Drug release studies comparing MSN-functionalized cements with commercial antibiotic-loaded bone cements.
Main Results:
- MSN incorporation did not negatively affect the initial biomechanical properties of the bone cements.
- Mechanical properties (compression strength, bending modulus) remained stable for up to 6 months of aging.
- Over 96% of MSNs were retained in the cement matrix after 6 months, preserving microstructure.
- MSN-functionalized bone cements demonstrated significantly enhanced gentamicin release compared to commercial alternatives.
- The nano-network structure of MSNs facilitated sustained drug diffusion and release.
Conclusions:
- MSN-functionalized PMMA bone cements maintain excellent mechanical properties and structural integrity.
- These cements provide a significantly improved and sustained release of antibiotics like gentamicin.
- The combination of mechanical stability and enhanced drug delivery shows strong potential for preventing post-operative infections in orthopedic surgery.
