Additives Imparting Antimicrobial Properties to Acrylic Bone Cements

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cements are crucial for prosthesis fixation.
• Prosthetic joint infections remain a significant clinical challenge, necessitating novel preventative strategies.
• Antibacterial bone cements offer a potential solution to mitigate infection risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate modified PMMA bone cements incorporating antimicrobial agents.
• To assess the structural, morphological, and physical properties of the modified cements.
• To determine the biocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of the novel bone cements.

Main Methods:

• Four PMMA bone cements were modified with gentamicin, peppermint oil (in hydroxyapatite), or silver nanoparticles (2% and 4%).
• Structure and morphology were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
• Wettability, hydration, and degradation were measured; cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT assay; antimicrobial activity was tested against *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and *Candida albicans*.

Main Results:

• Antimicrobial additives did not significantly alter cement hydration or degradation degrees.
• All modified PMMA bone cements demonstrated biocompatibility in MTT assays with MG-63 cells.
• Cements with peppermint oil and silver nanoparticles exhibited promising antimicrobial performance against tested pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Modified PMMA bone cements incorporating silver nanoparticles or peppermint oil are biocompatible and retain essential physical properties.
• These novel antibacterial bone cements show potential for clinical application in preventing prosthetic joint infections.
• Further research into these additives could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced infection rates.