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Adhesion of bioactive glass-based adhesive to bone
Varinder Pal Singh Sidhu1, Faizan Bilwani1, Mark R Towler1
1Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|December 5, 2021
Summary
This study used fracture mechanics to test a bioactive glass adhesive for sternal fixation. Optimal adhesive thickness and dry application conditions are crucial for strong bone adhesion and reliable performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Adhesive Technology
Background:
- Sternal fixation requires robust adhesives to ensure proper healing.
- Understanding adhesive failure modes is critical for clinical success.
- Bioactive glass-based adhesives offer potential for bone repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the fracture resistance and adhesion of a bioactive glass-based adhesive to bone.
- To determine the influence of adhesive thickness on fracture toughness.
- To assess the impact of environmental conditions on adhesive performance.
Main Methods:
- Fracture mechanics testing using reinforced double cantilever beam (DCB) samples.
- Measurement of mode I critical strain energy release rate (GIC).
- Cohesive failure analysis of adhesive-bone interfaces.
Main Results:
- Repeatable GIC values were obtained with reinforced DCB samples.
- Increased adhesive thickness (390 to 990 μm) significantly enhanced GIC from 5.41 to 12.60 J/m2.
- Application on wet bone resulted in substantially lower GIC (0.69–1.15 J/m2).
Conclusions:
- The fracture mechanics approach provides a quantitative measure of adhesive-bone adhesion.
- Cohesive failure indicates good adhesion, essential for rigid sternal fixation.
- Optimal performance requires clean bone and dry application conditions.
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