A constitutive material model for a commercial PMMA bone cement using a combination of nano-indentation test and finite element analysis

To obtain accurate mechanical properties of an orthopedic Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA-based) bone cement, nanomechanical testing was performed. Due to visoelastic characteristics of this polymer-like bone cement, the mechanical properties cannot be identified using conventional indentation methods. A well-known two-layer viscoplasticity model was selected and simulated in a finite element solver. A complete analogical study between the results of the finite element simulation and the experimental data was made to reach the best optimized parameters for the selected model. It is shown that the proposed model can be used to obtain the constitutive material relationship for polymeric materials.     

Innovative methodology for developing a bone grafting composite biomaterial starting from the seashell of Rapana thomasiana

Bone grafts are used in a wide array of clinical settings to augment bone repair and regeneration. This article reports a new method for the elaboration of a hybrid biomaterial in the form of sponge based on collagen gel, CaCO₃ from recycled Rapana thomasiana seashell, and Na₂HPO₄·2H₂O. Practically, collagen acts as a matrix through which calcium and phosphate ions are diffusing during in situ hydroxyapatite synthesis. The organic–inorganic interactions among biomaterial components have been studied by infrared spectroscopy, and the surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy technique. Moreover, the developed biomaterials were studied for in vitro biocompatibility with MG63 human osteoblasts. The results obtained demonstrated that the developed hybrid material does not exhibit a significant cytotoxicity and supports cell proliferation. Consequently, it holds great promise for applications in bone tissue engineering.     

Development of nano-tricalcium phosphate/polycaprolactone/platelet-rich plasma biocomposite for bone defect regeneration

Nano-tricalcium phosphate (n-TCP) is an osteoconductive substance which, like polycaprolactone (PCL), has been used for clinical purposes for many years; It has now been licensed for a range of products for clinical and medication distribution. This research aimed to examine the effects of platelet-rich plasma on mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Thus, we decided to examine the in vitro and in vivo actions of PRP-treated porous biocomposite scaffolds based on nano-tricalcium phosphate- polycaprolactone (n-TCP-PCL/PRP). The prepared samples were described utilizing FTIR, XRD, and SEM. MTT has measured the cytotoxicity of the biocomposite scaffolds. After two weeks of cell seeding, Alizarin red staining confirmed bone mineral formation by MSCs cells. Moreover, from day 4 to day 7, n-TCP-PCL/PRP biocomposite scaffold improved the expresses of bone marker genes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in conjunction with nano-tricalcium phosphate- polycaprolactone (n-TCP-PCL) biocomposite scaffold is beneficial for the regeneration and stability of the freshly developed bone tissue.     

L-Arginine/nanofish bone nanocomplex enhances bone regeneration via antioxidant activities and osteoimmunomodulatory properties

In this study,a promising strategy has been developed to promote bone regeneration by combining antioxidant activities and osteoimmunomodulatory properties.Herein,an L-arginine/nanofish bone(Arg/NFB) nanocomplex has been prepared and evaluated in vitro and in vivo.The Arg/NFB nanocomplex possesses good antioxidant activities and could modulate the polarization of non-activated macrophage into different types and induce the secretion of pre-inflammato ry,anti-inflammatory,osteogenic as well as angiogenic cytokines.Additionally,the regulated immune microenvironment can enhance the osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells(MC3 T3-E1) and angiogenic capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs),leading to the improved formation of mineralized nodules,alkaline phosphatase activity and angiogenic effects.In vivo results with cranial defect models reveal that the treatment of Arg/NFB nanocomplex exhibited significant improvement of new bone formation and angiogenesis.All the results demonstrate Arg/NFB nanocomplex with antioxidant activities and osteoimmunomodulatory properties could be a new idea for developing the next generation of bone regeneration biomaterials.     

Preparation and mechanical behavior of PLGA/nano-BCP composite scaffolds during in-vitro degradation for bone tissue engineering

In this paper, the yield strength and elastic modulus of Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and PLGA/nano-biphasic calcium phosphate (nBCP) composite scaffolds, before and during in-vitro degradation, have been evaluated. Composite scaffolds were made by using PLGA matrix and 10-50 wt.% nBCP powder as the reinforcement material. All scaffolds, with more than 89% porosity, were fabricated by thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS). During in-vitro degradation (0-8 weeks), the PLGA/nBCP scaffolds showed both more weight loss and better mechanical properties as compared to neat PLGA scaffolds. The PLGA/nBCP scaffolds with 30 wt.% nBCP illustrated the highest value of yield strength among the composite scaffolds, before and after degradation, until 6 weeks. After 8 weeks, the yield strength values were very poor and close to each other. The values of elastic modulus for all samples were less than the half of their initial values after 6 weeks. However, after 8 weeks, the elastic moduli of all samples reduced to negligible values.     

Partially resorbable composite bone plate with controlled degradation rate, desired mechanical properties and bioactivity

Rate of polymer degradation is very important for implantable biomaterials since controlling the degradation rate may complement the biological response and affected mechanical property requirements. In spite of numerous publications on the potential use of combinations of poly lactic acid/bioactive glass fillers for degradable bone plate, little information exists on the controlling degradation rate and its effects on the other aspects such as biomechanical compatibility, bioactivity, etc. Our previous study revealed that a composite bone plate consist of poly l-lactic acid/braided bioactive glass fibers has the initial mechanical properties near to cortical bone. In this study, degradation rate and mechanical behavior of the composite bone plate were assessed, and also degradation rate was controlled by using proper manufacturing process and improving bonding between matrix and reinforcement. Moreover, bioactivity of the composite was considered before and after controlling degradation rate, because of the important role of bioactivity and ion release in healing acceleration. Results showed that degradation process of the composite could be controlled properly. Strength of the treated composite decreased only about 5% through 2 weeks and about 35% after 8 weeks while, the strength loss for the untreated composites was about 50 and 70 percent after 2 weeks and 8 weeks of degradation respectively. Although calcium-phosphate formation on the surface of the composite was postponed in the treated samples, the bioactivity of the composite remained unchanged and bone-like apatite was formed on the composite surface which is important for the application of the composite in bone tissue environment.     

Mechanical properties and strain-rate effect of EVA/PMMA in situ polymerization blends

Transparent EVA/PMMA sheets are produced via in situ polymerization of MMA in this work. In the presence of the EVA-graft-PMMA (EVA-g-PMMA), which is synthesized by using tert-butyl peroctoate (t-BO) as initiator during MMA polymerization, EVA can be well dispersed in the PMMA matrix. Both tensile fracture energy and Izod impact strength of the EVA/PMMA blends are higher than those of the neat PMMA. SEM photos show that the grafted copolymer also prevents the dispersed EVA particles from being pulled out from the fracture surface. While the EVA/PMMA blends are investigated at room temperature over the strain rates of four decades (from 1.6 × 10⁻⁴ to 0.16 s⁻¹). It has an obvious transition, whereas the neat PMMA remains brittle over the entire range of strain rates.     

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite for bone graft applications

In the current work chitosan-hydroxyapatite composites were synthesized using the method of co-precipitation for bone grafting. The composite samples were characterized using SEM, EDS and UTM. The composites showed a good Ca:P ratio of 2.10, indicating a sufficient level of osteoconductive of the composites. The EDS peaks showed a strong presence of carbon, oxygen, calcium and phosphorous with insignificant impurities. The UTM tests revealed compressive modulus of 80 ?MPa desired for various human bones. Also, grey rational analysis was used to optimize the process parameters. The results thus obtained show an improvement over previously reported results of bone grafts using other materials and procedures. Thus, the work can serve as a viable alternative to traditional bone grafting techniques, such as allografts and autografts, which face problems of biocompatibility and affordability.     

Poly(1,8-octanediol citrate)/bioactive glass composite with improved mechanical performance and bioactivity for bone regeneration

Poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate)(POC) represents a new promising biocompatible and biodegradable polyester that has been extensively investigated for soft tissue engineering. However, the poor mechanical performance and poor bioactivity limit its application in bone regeneration. In this study, a series of POC/bioactive glasses(BG) composites were developed using 45 S5 Bioglass~ and a phytic acidderived bioactive glass(referred as PSC). The results indicated that calcium in BG could enhance the crosslinking of the POC/BG composites by forming calcium dicarboxylate bridges and thus improve their mechanical performances. When PSC were used, the composites exhibited significantly better mechanical properties compared to composites with 45 S5 Bioglass~. For example, by incorporating70 wt% PSC, the compressive strength of POC/PSC composites could be improved to approximately50 MPa and modulus 1.3±0.1 GPa. Furthermore, all these POC/PSC composites showed good in vitro bioactivity and cellular biocompatibility. Histology results in femoral condyle defects of Sprague-Dawley rats indicated that the POC/PSC samples integrated well with surrounding tissues and stimulated bone regeneration. The improved mechanical properties and bioactivity of POC/PSC composites make them promising for potential application in bone regeneration.     

Non-cytotoxic and bioactive nanocomposite film of natural Arabic gum incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles for bone tissue regeneration

Biomaterials with exceptional biocompatibility and bioactivity are now pushing the boundaries of bone tissue engineering. In this study, natural Arabic gum biopolymer incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NAG + TiO₂NP) nanocomposite film was fabricated. The FTIR and XRD analysis show the presence of functional groups assigned to NAG biopolymers and highly crystalline anatase TiO₂NP. Well dispersed TiO₂NP can be seen from SEM micrograph suggesting good interaction between TiO₂NP filler and NAG biopolymer matrix to enhance the mechanical characteristics of nanocomposite film. The NAG + TiO₂NP nanocomposite film exhibited strong bioactivity to form bone-like apatite and promoted the proliferation of MG-63 cells attributed to their excellent biocompatibility and non-toxicity. The NAG + TiO₂NP nanocomposite film also displays high antibacterial activity with (36.33 ± 1.53) mm and (27.00 ± 2.00) mm inhibition zone were recorded against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The findings indicate that the NAG + TiO₂NP nanocomposite film, with its improved mechanical properties, high swelling capacity, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, shows promise as a viable option for bone tissue regeneration materials.     

Modified V-notched rail shear test fixture for shear characterisation of textile-reinforced composite materials

The V-notched rail shear test (VNRS) is recognised as a standard test method for the determination of shear modulus and shear strength of fibre-reinforced composite materials. This method is based on a double V-notched specimen with a large gauge section and an approximately uniform shear stress distribution between the two notches. The construction of the test device prescribed in standards was revised with the main focus of lines of force as well as precise and economic specimen clamping. Therefore, the modified test fixture has been equipped with guide units and the number of clamping bolts could be reduced. The standardised and modified VNRS fixtures were evaluated using a finite element method. It can be shown that the modified VNRS test fixture is well suited for robust and reliable material characterisation of shear property data.     

The mechanical properties of surface treated UHMWPE fibers and TiO2 reinforced PMMA composite

Mechanical properties of hybrid PMMA composites reinforced with UHMWPE fiber and nano‐titanium dioxide (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%) was investigated. In this work, the effect of UHMWPE fiber surface treatment on tensile, flexural, and impact properties of PMMA composites was studied. The fiber loadings were varied from 0% to 20%. The addition of UHMWPE fiber had caused a decline in the tensile strength of the PMMA composite. Results revealed that the presence of titanium dioxide on the surface treated UHMWPE fiber has further enhanced the efficiency of stress transfer from the matrix to the fiber thus improved the interfacial adhesion between the UHMWPE fiber and PMMA matrix.     

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan-silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite composites via in situ precipitation for bone tissue engineering

Homogeneous chitosan-silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite(CS-SF/HA) composites were prepared by in situ precipitation method driven by a multiple-order template. The morphology of the composites was investigated by scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscope(TEM). The compositional analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy(FTIR). The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the composites were also determined. The results indicated that the inorganic particles of uniform size(50 nm) were well-dispersed among the CS-SF matrices. The compressive modulus of the CS-SF/HA composites was enhanced with the increasing amount of SF. The in vitro results suggested that the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells on CS-SF/HA composite disks displayed strong bonding and spreading, and the cell proliferation cultured on each composite disk increased throughout the culture period for up to 7 days. Especially, the samples with higher content of SF had much better biological properties. The evidences proved that the CS-SF/HA composites possessed excellent biocompatibility. By using the freeze-drying technique, hierarchical porous scaffolds with pores ranging from 50 μm to 200 μm were obtained. This work presented the advantages of in situ precipitation method to prepare the organic/inorganic composites, and a multiple-order template was introduced in the system to improve the properties of the composites by combining the merits of each organic template.     

Microanalysis of hybrid characterization of PLA/cHA polymer scaffolds for bone regeneration

Tissue engineering uses some engineering strategies for the reconstruction and repair of the compromised tissues, among which the use of biomaterials as an alternative to conventional transplants is significant. However, not many research has been developed on the use of biopolymer nanostructure microanalysis and calcium phosphate composites of carbon apatite in PLA as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. In this work, poly (lactic acid) filaments with 5% and 20%, carbon apatite (cHA) were microanalysis to produce a 3D printing scaffold. The scaffolds were characterised by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) techniques, thereby making it possible to notice a good load dispersion. The microstructural analysis of the scaffolds was carried out by computerised micro-tomography to determine the roughness, morphological parameters of pore size distribution, porosity, as well as better visualisation of the distribution of particles. A computational in vitro and microanalysis tests to assess the biocompatibility viability of the PLA/cHA structure with a variation of scaffold geometry to evaluate their effects on morphological, physicochemical and mechanical properties were also carried out. The characterisation of Ca and P release assays were observed for longer incubation times and the dynamic condition control to simulate the stresses suffered by the biomaterial exerted by the flow of fluids was achieved. The results obtained indicated that the micrographs of the cross-sections of the scaffolds showed a flatness in the loaded material when compared to the 100/0 PLA. Furthermore, the apparent porosity of 5% and 20% of cHA scaffolds gave a porosity percentage of approximately 62% and 41% respectively. The reduced summit height, reduced valley depth and the percentage upper and lower bearing area difference of the samples are 16.33 nm, 9.62 nm and 75.07% respectively. The morphological characterisation surface roughness analysis and tolerance insertion gave a favourable reduced porosity result for the composite scaffolds with 5% of cHA. Hence, this work will assist biomaterial industries in the development of biomaterials which have been engineered with biological systems to meet medical purposes.     

Requirements of amount of carbon nanotubes for damage detection in large polymer composite structures

Due to their very high electrical conductivity, the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymers such as epoxies makes these materials conductive. This conductivity has been utilized to provide damage sensing in composite structures. Usually, the amount of CNTs needs to be more than the percolation threshold to assure electrical conductivity. The percolation threshold is usually determined using small samples. For large samples, the amount of CNTs needs to be higher to take into account some non-uniformity of the dispersion. More CNTs would provide better conductivity. One normally expects that more CNTs would also provide better damage detection. However, it was found that this is not the case. Certainly, the amount of CNTs needs to be more than a certain lower limit to assure conductivity throughout the large structures. Once this condition is met, adding more CNTs would reduce the sensitivity for damage detection. The sensitivity of damage detection can be measured by the change in electrical resistance (due to the occurrence of damage) between grid points that are attached on the surface of the composite structure. Higher sensitivity in damage detection would enable coarse grids (larger distance between grid points). Coarse grid points would mean lower number of grid points, less space, less wiring and less weight. This paper describes this phenomenon in detail. It provides models that simulate the conductivity configurations. It also introduces a new term call “Aggregately Conductive Materials” to distinguish the particular conductive characteristics of materials that are made conductive by the addition of nano-particles.     

Synthesis and applications of graphene oxide aerogels in bone tissue regeneration: a review

Development of biocompatible porous supports is a promising strategy in the field of tissue engineering for the repair and regeneration of bone tissues with severe damage. Graphene oxide aerogels (GOAs) are excellent candidates for the manufacture of these systems due to their porosity, ability to imitate bone structure, and mechanical resistance, and according to their surface chemical reactivity, they can facilitate osseointegration, osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction. In this review, synthesis of GOAs from the most primary source is described, and recent studies on the use of these functionalized carbonaceous foams as scaffolding for bone tissue regeneration are presented.     

Gallery structure and exfoliation of organophilized montmorillonite: effect on composite properties

Wyoming montmorillonite was organophilized to different extents with N-cetylpyridinium chloride and its gallery structure was studied by WAXS. PP nanocomposites were prepared using this silicate and their structure, as well as tensile properties were determined as a function of composition. Two peaks were observed in the WAXS patterns of some of the treated silicates, one of which disappeared during processing. The orientation of the organic compound in the galleries depends on its size and amount, as well as on the ion density of the filler. Multiple peaks appearing in the WAXS pattern of organophilized silicate may arise from interference, but they may also indicate the presence of several populations of layer distances. Water is absorbed between the galleries of partially organophilized silicates leading to the separation of the layers resulting in the appearance of new scattering peaks. Exfoliation occurs only above a critical gallery distance, which corresponds to the thickness of two aliphatic chains. Although exfoliation of the silicate is determined by its organophilization and gallery structure, composite properties are dominated by interfacial interaction.     

In vitro and in vivo degradation of an injectable bone repair composite

In vitro and in vivo degradation behaviors of an injectable bone regeneration composite (IBRC) which comprised of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) particles in alginate hydrogel carrier were investigated. In vitro degradation quantitative testing indicated that the alginate had a faster degradation rate in simulated body fluid (SBF) than in deionized water at 37 °C. Similarly, IBRC also had a higher degradation rate in SBF than in deionized water at 37 °C, which was evaluated by alginate molecular weight measurement, mechanical properties test and degradation kinetics evaluation. But molecular weight of alginate degraded slower in IBRC than that in aqueous solution. In vitro results showed that degradation medium SBF had influence on degradation of alginate molecules. In the in vivo degradation study, surprisingly, there was no obvious decreasing of molecular weight of alginate from 0 to 8 weeks. IBRC degraded mostly after 24 weeks implantation and was replaced by connective tissue. No fibrous capsule and acute inflammatory reaction were found during the observed 24 weeks after IBRC implantation. There is only a mild short-term inflammatory response in rat dorsum muscle. These results indicated that IBRC had a controllable degradability and biocompatibility. Therefore, IBRC may be a promising degradable material for bone repair and bone tissue engineering.     

Development and characterisation of vinyloxyaminosilane grafted ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM-g-VOS) for engineering applications

A novel and new copolymer of vinyloxyaminosilane grafted ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM-g-VOS) has been synthesised in toluene using dicumyl peroxide as initiator. The grafting efficiency of vinyloxyaminosilane (VOS) onto ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) has been studied as a function of EPDM content, reaction time, reaction temperature and initiator concentration. Using the optimum grafting efficiency conditions, EPDM-g-VOS has also been developed in a Haake Rheocord-90, torque rheometer. The grafting of vinyloxyaminosilane onto ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM-g-VOS) has been confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and electrical, properties of hot water cured EPDM-g-VOS and peroxide cured EPDM are compared. The mechanical properties of EPDM-g-VOS are decreased due to the flexibility imparted by VOS. However thermal and dielectric properties are increased due to the introduction of VOS onto EPDM as well as the formation of thermally stable three dimensional network through Si-O-Si- linkage.