Zoledronic acid-loaded bone cement as drug delivery carrier

Abstract

Objective To investigate the influence of the mechanical properties of Zoledronic acid- loaded polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) bone cement, and observe the release of the drugs invitro. Methods Zoledronic acid was mixed with bone cement in five different mass fractions: A(0 mg), B(4 mg), C(20 mg), D(40 mg), E(80 mg)(n= 8 each).The mechanical properties and drug release condition were measured. Results The compressive strength and flexural strength of each group gradually decline when bone cement contained increasing concentration of Zoledronic acid. The minimum value of compressive strength and flexural strength are 78.99, 81.92 mPa, and they all achieve the international recommendation. For compressive and flexural strength(P> 0.05), group A had no significant difference compared with group B, but had significant difference compared with group C, D and E(P< 0.05). The dosage of released Zoledronic acid was maximum in first three days. After one week, the drug was in a trace releasing. Conclusion Zoledronic acid can be released from the PMMA bone cement, and 44 g bone cement which is mixed with less than 80 mg zoledronic acid will have no influence on the physical and mechanical property. Key words: Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement; Zoledronic acid; Biomechanies