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Antibacterial, mechanical and curing properties of PMMA bone cement loaded with copper nanoparticles
Oscar Fernando Pacheco-Salazar1, Rosa Us-Camas1, José Ku-Herrera2
1Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), campus Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Calkiní (ITESCAM), Avenida Ah Canul S/N por Carretera Federal, Calkiní, Campeche, C.P. 24900, México.
Abstract:
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), a challenging complication of arthroplasty, is usually treated/managed using antibiotic-loaded PMMA bone cement. However, this cement has many shortcomings, such as a low cumulative amount of the antibiotic released by the time the release is exhausted and ineffectiveness against some bacteria that are present in many PJI cases, such as methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As such, there are many ongoing research programs focus on developing alternative cement formulations without compromising their mechanical and curing properties. The present study evaluates the antimicrobial, mechanical, and curing performance of PMMA bone cement loaded with 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 wt.% Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) againstEscherichia coli (E. coli)andS. aureus(concentration: 2.0 × 106, 3.0 × 106, and 7.1 × 106CFU ml-1). Analysis of the nanoparticles using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering found they were nanocrystalline and had a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 114 nm. Evaluations of the antimicrobial performance of the cement, using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, showed that, for a given combination of bacterial species and concentration, the diameter of the inhibition zone on cement specimens increased with an increase in Cu NPs loading of the cement. The compressive testing revealed that the incorporation of Cu NPs did not significantly affect the compressive strength or elastic modulus of the cement. In addition, a decrease in the maximum curing temperature was observed with an increase in Cu NPs loading, while the setting time remained without significant differences. These findings suggest that a PMMA bone cement loaded with either 1.0 or 1.5 wt.% Cu NPs may be suitable for the treatment and management of PJI. Future studies of this cement are warranted.
Insights
Copper nanoparticles in bone cement show promise for treating periprosthetic joint infections. This enhanced cement effectively combats bacteria like S. aureus and E. coli without compromising mechanical properties, offering a potential improvement over traditional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication following arthroplasty.
- Current antibiotic-loaded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has limitations, including insufficient antibiotic release and ineffectiveness against certain bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
- Research is ongoing to develop improved bone cement formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial, mechanical, and curing properties of PMMA bone cement incorporating copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs).
- To assess the efficacy of Cu NP-loaded PMMA against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- PMMA bone cement was loaded with 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 wt.% Cu NPs.
- Cu NP characterization using SEM, XRD, and DLS.
- Antimicrobial activity assessed via Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion against E. coli and S. aureus.
- Mechanical properties (compressive strength, elastic modulus) and curing characteristics (maximum temperature, setting time) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Cu NPs were nanocrystalline with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 114 nm.
- Antimicrobial activity increased with higher Cu NP loading, showing larger inhibition zones against both bacterial species.
- Cu NP incorporation did not significantly alter compressive strength or elastic modulus.
- Increased Cu NP loading decreased maximum curing temperature, while setting time remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- PMMA bone cement loaded with 1.0 or 1.5 wt.% Cu NPs demonstrates enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus.
- The mechanical and curing properties of the PMMA cement remain largely unaffected by Cu NP addition.
- Cu NP-loaded PMMA shows potential as an improved material for managing PJI.
