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Published on: March 12, 2014
Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Composites as Artificial Joint Materials.
Atsushi Sobajima1, Takumi Okihara2, Shigeaki Moriyama3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
This study introduces multiwall carbon nanotube/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (MWCNT/UHMWPE) composites for artificial joints. These materials offer improved wear and impact resistance, with demonstrated biosafety for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is standard for artificial joint sliding members but faces a wear-impact resistance trade-off.
- Cross-linked UHMWPE improves wear resistance but reduces impact resistance, leading to potential implant failure.
- Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are industrially used for polymer reinforcement but lack established safety for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel UHMWPE composite with enhanced wear and impact resistance for artificial joints.
- To assess the biosafety of multiwall carbon nanotube/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (MWCNT/UHMWPE) composites for medical implants.
Main Methods:
- Complexation of UHMWPE with MWCNTs to create composite materials.
- Evaluation of wear and impact resistance properties of the MWCNT/UHMWPE composites.
- Comprehensive biosafety testing, including ISO 10993 compliance, in vivo studies (rat knee injections), and carcinogenicity tests (genetically modified mice).
Main Results:
- MWCNT/UHMWPE composites demonstrated wear resistance comparable to cross-linked UHMWPE and impact resistance similar to non-cross-linked UHMWPE.
- All tested MWCNT/UHMWPE composites met ISO 10993 standards for implantable medical devices.
- In vivo studies showed transient, mild inflammatory reactions in rat knees with no organ migration, and no carcinogenicity was observed in mice.
Conclusions:
- MWCNT/UHMWPE composites effectively resolve the wear-impact resistance trade-off in UHMWPE for artificial joints.
- These composites exhibit a favorable safety profile, meeting stringent biosafety requirements for medical implants.
- MWCNT/UHMWPE composites represent a promising new biomaterial for total hip and total knee arthroplasty sliding components.
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