Preliminary focus on the mechanical and antibacterial activity of a PMMA-based bone cement loaded with gold nanoparticles

Abstract

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip replacement (THR) the restoration of the normal joint function represents a fundamental feature. A prosthetic joint must be able to provide motions and to transmit functional loads.As reported in the literature, the stress distribution may be altered in bones after the implantation of a total joint prosthesis. Some scientific works have also correlated uncemented TKA to a progressive decrease of bone density below the tibial component. Antibiotic-loaded bone cements are commonly employed in conjunction with systemic antibiotics to treat infections. Furthermore, nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity have been widely analysed. Accordingly, the current research was focused on a preliminary analysis of the mechanical and antibacterial activity of a PMMA-based bone cement loaded with gold nanoparticles. The obtained results demonstrated that nanocomposite cements with a specific concentration of gold nanoparticles improved the punching performance and antibacterial activity. However, critical aspects were found in the optimization of the nanocomposite bone cement.

Metal‐Based Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications: Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity Aspects

“…For example, incorporation of Au nanoparticles in a poly(methyl) methacrylate (PMMA)‐based bone cement improves the mechanical properties of the polymeric matrix and reduces the formation of S. aureus biofilms. [ 226 ]…”

Modification of PMMA Cements for Cranioplasty with Bioactive Glass and Copper Doped Tricalcium Phosphate Particles

“…Modification of PMMA cements with bioactive particles have been suggested to prevent infections [14,[30][31][32].…”

“…PMMA bone cement (Palacos, Heraeus, Wehrheim, Germany) was modified with bioactive glass or copper doped tricalcium phosphate particles. Particles were dispersed in the solid PMMA phase as previously described [32]. Briefly, bioactive particles were dispersed into the solid PMMA phase through ultrasonic dispersion.…”

“…PMMA-based nanocomposites, incorporating silver [30,31] and gold [32] nanoparticles into the polymeric matrix, have been designed for antimicrobial purposes. For improving osteoconductivity and biocompatibility, several PMMA-based composites have been investigated for cranioplasty.…”

In Situ Generated Medical Devices

“…Alternative strategies to prevent or fight infections are based on adding silver or gold nanoparticles, known for their antibacterial activity, to the cement . In their recent work, Russo et al reported a bone cement containing preformed gold nanoparticles in the 10–20 nm range that improved the antibacterial activity of the cement . With the goal of generating further improvements to the traditional use of preformed nanoparticles, the in situ generation of silver nanoparticles has been recently investigated.…”