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Published on: February 23, 2017
New PMMA-Based Hydroxyapatite/ZnFe2O4/ZnO Composite with Antibacterial Performance and Low Toxicity
Olga Bakina1, Natalia Svarovskaya1, Ludmila Ivanova1
1Institute of Strength Physics and Material Science, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Science, Av. Akademicheskii, 2/4, 634055 Tomsk, Russia.
Abstract:
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used bone void filler in orthopedic surgery. However, the biocompatibility and radiopacity of PMMA are insufficient for such applications. In addition to insufficient biocompatibility, the microbial infection of medical implants is one of the frequent causes of failure in bone reconstruction. In the present work, the preparation of a novel PMMA-based hydroxyapatite/ZnFe2O4/ZnO composite with heterophase ZnFe2O4/ZnO NPs as an antimicrobial agent was described. ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles were produced using the electrical explosion of zinc and iron twisted wires in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. This simple, highly productive, and inexpensive nanoparticle fabrication approach could be readily adapted to different applications. From the findings, the presented composite material showed significant antibacterial activity (more than 99% reduction) against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and MRSA, and 100% antifungal activity against C. albicans, as a result of the combined use of both ZnO and ZnFe2O4. The composite showed excellent biocompatibility against the sensitive fibroblast cell line 3T3. The more-than-70% cell viability was observed after 1-3 days incubation of the sample. The developed composite material could be a potential material for the fabrication of 3D-printed implants.
Insights
A new polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composite with hydroxyapatite, ZnFe2O4, and ZnO nanoparticles enhances bone void filler biocompatibility and offers potent antimicrobial properties against common pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a common bone void filler but has limitations in biocompatibility and radiopacity.
- Microbial infections frequently cause bone reconstruction failures, necessitating improved implant materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel PMMA-based composite incorporating hydroxyapatite/ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the composite's antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility for potential use in 3D-printed orthopedic implants.
Main Methods:
- ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using electrical explosion of zinc and iron wires.
- The composite material was prepared by integrating these nanoparticles into a PMMA-hydroxyapatite matrix.
- Antimicrobial activity was tested against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, MRSA, and C. albicans.
- Biocompatibility was assessed using the 3T3 fibroblast cell line.
Main Results:
- The composite demonstrated significant antibacterial activity (>99% reduction) and 100% antifungal activity.
- Excellent biocompatibility was observed, with over 70% cell viability after 1-3 days of incubation with 3T3 fibroblasts.
- The nanoparticle synthesis method is simple, highly productive, and cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- The developed PMMA-based composite exhibits potent antimicrobial properties and good biocompatibility.
- This material shows promise for the fabrication of advanced 3D-printed orthopedic implants with reduced infection risk.
