Abstract
In recent years, the composite nanomaterials area has had a great development impact in health sciences. Biomaterials depict as one of the most promising since they are compatible with additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. It is also possible to use them to mold specific medical parts. Composite nanomaterials have shown good biocompatibility and low toxicity to have benefits equal to or greater than metals (i.e., Co-Cr alloy). The purpose of this study is to develop a nanocomposite biomaterial (PLA/MWCNTf) from Polylactic Acid (PLA) and functionalized Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTf) to evidence its potential application in 3D printing of orthopedic fixation devices. PLA/MWCNTf nanocomposite was prepared by solution blending technique, incorporating a proportion of 0.5 wt% of MWCNTf to the PLA matrix. TGA analysis of the PLA/MWCNTf was used to determine the thermal stability, a slight increase was found compared to the PLA. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxylic acid groups in the MWCNTf which improves good incorporation of the nanotubes in the PLA matrix. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM micrographs were used to verify MWCNTf reached the PLA surface homogeneously. Additive manufacturing preparation was done by extrusion molding of PLA/MWCNTf as well as its 3D printing.
Highlights
Medical devices can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials using different techniques
The purpose of this study is to developed a Polylactic Acid (PLA) nanocomposite biomaterial reinforced with Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) to be used in 3D FDM printing of orthopedic fixation devices used in osteosynthesis procedures
In the same figure the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of the MWCNT and MWCNTf are presented, the wave number value of 1531 cm-1 corresponds to the C=C bonds of the structure of carbon nanotubes while the value of 1731 cm-1 correspond to the carbonyl CO groups from COOH added to the MWCNTf
Summary
Medical devices can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials using different techniques. Additive Manufacturing is a processes that allows us a personalized development of different medical devices, satisfying the particular needs of each patient [1], [2]. According to NOM-240SSA1-2012, medical devices are manufactured for the purpose of diagnosing, monitoring or preventing disease in humans or auxiliary in the treatment of them and disability, as well as to be used in the replacement, correction, restoration or modification of the anatomy or physiological processes. Medical devices include products in the following categories: medical equipment, prostheses, orthesis, functional aids, dental supplies, surgical materials, among others [3]. Different metal alloys are used for the production of orthopedic prostheses (total hip replacement, total knee replacement) and orthopedic fixation devices, those used in osteosynthesis procedures (screws, plates, nails, rods). One of the most widely used metal alloy is Cobalt-Chromium, various authors and patients have reported adverse effects caused by this alloy [4]
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