Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the study, production and controlled manipulation of materials with a grain size < 100 nm. At this level, the laws of classical mechanics fall away and those of quantum mechanics take over, resulting in unique behaviour of matter in terms of melting point, conductivity and reactivity. Additionally, and likely more significant, as grain size decreases, the ratio of surface area to volume drastically increases, allowing for greater interaction between implants and the surrounding cellular environment. This favourable increase in surface area plays an important role in mesenchymal cell differentiation and ultimately bone–implant interactions. Basic science and translational research have revealed important potential applications for nanotechnology in orthopaedic surgery, particularly with regard to improving the interaction between implants and host bone. Nanophase materials more closely match the architecture of native trabecular bone, thereby greatly improving the osseo-integration of orthopaedic implants. Nanophase-coated prostheses can also reduce bacterial adhesion more than conventionally surfaced prostheses. Nanophase selenium has shown great promise when used for tumour reconstructions, as has nanophase silver in the management of traumatic wounds. Nanophase silver may significantly improve healing of peripheral nerve injuries, and nanophase gold has powerful anti-inflammatory effects on tendon inflammation. Considerable advances must be made in our understanding of the potential health risks of production, implantation and wear patterns of nanophase devices before they are approved for clinical use. Their potential, however, is considerable, and is likely to benefit us all in the future. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B: 569–73.

Unaffected features of BSA stabilized Ag nanoparticles after storage and reconstitution in biological relevant media

“…These types of complications account for more than half of all hospital acquired infections and are the most complex and costly to treat. In order to reduce post-surgery infections, silver-coated orthopedic implants [6,7] and silver composite materials [8] have been proposed to produce local biocidal activity at low dose [9].…”

An Update into the Application of Nanotechnology in Bone Healing

“…Bone sialoprotein, osteonectin and osteocalcin are required for bone mineralisation [14-16]. To note, these extracellular adhesion proteins have enhanced interaction with nanophase implant surfaces, compared to standard implant surfaces, which promotes osseointegration, thus reducing incidence joint loosening [2]. …”

“…Further more, the smaller material grain size seen in nanophase materials greatly increases their surface area to volume ratio. Both of these assets results in improved osseo-integration, which reduces the risk of joint replacement loosening [2] and fibrous encapsulation [23] compared to conventional implants.…”

“…Richard Feyman first introduced the concept of Nanotechnology in 1959 [2]. Nanotechnology can be defined as the research, design and manufacture of materials with a grain size less than 100nm.…”

“…These materials follow the laws of quantum physics, not classical mechanics. As a result, they act very differently to their conventional counterparts with similar anatomical structure but grain size greater than 100nm [2]. Manipulation of nanotechnology in bone healing has the potential to be successful as the hierarchical structure of bone is derived from nanoscopic collagen fibres and hydroxyapatite.…”