Biological Activation of Inert Ceramics: Recent Advances Using Tailored Self-Assembled Monolayers on Implant Ceramic Surfaces

Abstract

High-strength ceramics as materials for medical implants have a long, research-intensive history. Yet, especially on applications where the ceramic components are in direct contact with the surrounding tissue, an unresolved issue is its inherent property of biological inertness. To combat this, several strategies have been investigated over the last couple of years. One promising approach investigates the technique of Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAM) and subsequent chemical functionalization to create a biologically active tissue-facing surface layer. Implementation of this would have a beneficial impact on several fields in modern implant medicine such as hip and knee arthroplasty, dental applications and related fields. This review aims to give a summarizing overview of the latest advances in this recently emerging field, along with thorough introductions of the underlying mechanism of SAMs and surface cell attachment mechanics on the cell side.

Ceramics and ceramic coatings in orthopaedics

“…The technique involves grafting or binding organo-metal molecules to an implant in a single layer in order to activate an otherwise bioinert surface. A recent review of SAM methods as applied to ceramics was prepared by Boke et al [589]. They focused on SAMs consisting of organo-silane polymers whose silane heads proximally attach themselves covalently to the ceramic's surface, allowing for further functionalization of their distal tails.…”

ATR‐FTIR measurements of albumin and fibrinogen adsorption: Inert versus calcium phosphate ceramics

“…Synthetic biomaterials represent a promising alternative. In particular, bioceramics have been extensively used for bone repair since the early 1930s …”

Adverse Reaction to Zirconia in a Modern Total Hip Arthroplasty with Ceramic Head

“…To replace and restore the function of the hip joint without triggering an immunological response, many materials have been tried as the implant ( Fig. 1 ) [ 4 , 5 ]. Although traditional metal-on-polyethylene hip prostheses enjoyed success, polyethylene wear continued to be a concern.…”