Abstract
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used in endoprosthetics and has been the subject of countless studies. This project investigates the dependence of alendronate (AL) release on the molecular weight of the UHMWPE used (GUR1020 and GUR1050). A 0.5 wt% AL was added to the UHMWPE during the production of the moldings. In addition to the 14-day release tests, biocompatibility tests such as live dead assay, cell proliferation assay (WST) and Lactate dehydrogenase test (LDH) with MG-63 cells as well as a tensile test according to DIN EN ISO 527 were carried out. The released AL concentration was determined by HPLC. A continuous release of the AL was observed over the entire period of 2 weeks. In addition, a correlation between molar mass and AL release was demonstrated. The GUR1020 showed a release four times higher than the GUR1050. Both materials have no negative influence on the proliferation of MG-63 cells. This was also confirmed in the live/dead assay by the increase in cell count. No cytotoxicity was detected in the LDH test. The addition of 0.5 wt% AL increased the elongation at break for GUR1020 by 23% and for GUR1050 by 49%. It was demonstrated that the choice of UHMWPE has an influence on the release of AL. The particle size in particular has a strong influence on the release behavior.
Highlights
The fact that we are living so much longer means that the percentage of people eventually needing an artificial joint will rise dramatically
We found no significant in all our samples, that exerts the strongest influence on surface roughness
It has been proved that the selection of the Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has an influence on the release of AL
Summary
The fact that we are living so much longer means that the percentage of people eventually needing an artificial joint will rise dramatically. In 2016, there were 187,319 initial implantations of total knee replacements (TKRs), and 24,940 revision surgeries for TKRs in Germany [1]. The annual operative frequency of initial endoprosthetic hip and knee surgery among Germans has remained stable and not risen since 2007. Initial hip interventions in the over-70 age group amounted to 1.1% 2014), and initial knee interventions 0.7% (2007) and 0.6% (2014). German population was 0.26% in 2014 (hips) and 0.19% (knees) [2]. 6.5% of the TKR had Materials 2019, 12, 1832; doi:10.3390/ma12111832 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
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