Enhanced bone cement for fixation of prosthetic joint utilizing nanoparticles

Abstract

Bone cement is commonly utilized to secure prosthetic joints in the body because of its robust fixation, stability, biocompatibility, and immediate load-bearing capability. However, issues such as loosening, leakage, and insufficient bioactivity can lead to its failure. Therefore, improving its mechanical, physical, and biological properties is crucial for enhancing its efficiency. This study examines the impact of incorporating four different nanomaterials—Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Calcium Phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂), and Alumina Oxide (Al₂O₃)—into bone cement on its mechanical, physical, and biological properties. TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles are selected to enhance the compression strength of bone cement, thereby preventing loosening. Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and Ca₃(PO₄)₂ nanoparticles are chosen to improve cell adhesion and reducing the risk of cement leakage. Five specimens were prepared: the first with 100% pure bone cement powder, the second with 98% pure bone cement powder and modified with 2% MgO and TiO2, and the remaining three with 95% pure bone cement powder and modified with 5% varying ratios of MgO, TiO₂, Ca₃(PO₄)₂, and Al₂O₃. Compression, tensile, hardness, and bending strengths were assessed to determine improvements in mechanical properties. Setting temperature, porosity, and degradation were measured to evaluate physical properties. Cell adhesion and toxicity tests were conducted to examine the surface structure and biological properties. The results demonstrated that the modified specimens increased compression strength by 8.14%, tensile strength by 3.4%, and bending strength by 4.96%. Porosity, degradation, and setting temperature in modified specimens increased by 3.24%, 0.64%, and 5.17% respectively pure bone cement values. Cell adhesion in modified bone cement specimens showed normal attachment when scanned with FE-SEM. All of the tested modified specimens showed no toxicity, except for specimens with 2% Al₂O₃ that showed 25% toxicity which could be averted by employing antibiotics.

Graphical Abstract