Biomedical subjects

J A Planell

Publications and source records attributed to J A Planell.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Characterization of a novel calcium phosphate/sulphate bone cement.

Apatitic cements have shown excellent biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties but have slow resorption in the human body. To assure that new bone tissue grows into the bone defect, a certain porosity is necessary although hard to achieve in injectable cements with suitable mechanical properties. An attempt was made by mixing alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP), calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CSH) and an aqueous solution containing 2.5 wt% of Na(2)HPO(4). The aim was to obtain a material containing two phases: a) one apatitic phase (calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite; CDHA) and b) one resorbable phase (calcium sulphate dihydrate; CSD). alpha-TCP and CSH mixtures were produced at relative intervals of 20 wt%. The liquid-to-powder (L/P) ratio to obtain a paste was 0.32 mLg(-1). The highest compressive strength (34 MPa) was obtained for the pure alpha-TCP sample. The strength was, in a first approximation, directly correlated to the weight proportions of the powders. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the relative intensity for CDHA increased linearly, and the one for CSD decreased exponentially, when the amount of alpha-TCP increased. Thus, CSH ceased to transform to CSD when the amount of alpha-TCP increased. Observations in environmental scanning electron microscopy confirmed the X-ray diffraction results. CSH-crystals (100 microm) were embedded in the HA-matrix permitting gradual porosity in the material when resorbed.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2002

Hydroxyapatite ceramic bodies with tailored mechanical properties for different applications.

A perfect control on the final ceramic features will enable the research/clinical community to spread the use of calcium phosphate ceramic bodies to a large number of applications and/or requirements. The mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite ceramic bodies manufactured by different techniques and with different porosities is presented. The flexural strength, hardness, fracture toughness, surface roughness, and their evolution after immersion in SBF are studied. An increase of the mechanical properties with density is observed. The factors governing these results are analyzed. The increase of the porosity percentage of the bodies results in an increase on the surface roughness. The degradation studies show that the HA ceramics keep their integrity and mechanical properties under physiological conditions during the soaking time studied. The OHAp ceramic bodies with controlled porosity could be appropriated for hard tissue substitution or as a carriers for controlled delivery of drugs or as scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2002

Mechanical performance of acrylic bone cements containing different radiopacifying agents.

The effect that three different radiopacifying agents, two of them inorganic (BaSO4, ZrO2) and one organic (an iodine containing monomer, IHQM) have on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of acrylic bone cements was studied. Compressive and tensile strength, fracture toughness and fatigue crack propagation were evaluated. The effect of the inorganic fillers depends on their size and morphology. In relation to the radiolucent cement, the addition of zirconium dioxide improved significantly the tensile strength, the fracture toughness and the fatigue crack propagation resistance. In contrast, the addition of barium sulphate produced a decrease of the tensile strength, but did not affect the fracture toughness and improved the crack propagation resistance. When the iodine containing monomer was used, although the tensile strength and the fracture toughness increased, the fatigue crack propagation resistance remained as low as it was for the radiolucent cement.

Barium Sulfate↗

PubMed2002

The Ca/P range of nanoapatitic calcium phosphate cements.

Nanoapatites are apatites consisting of nanometer size crystals. The commercial calcium phosphate cements set by the precipitation of nanoapatitic calcium phosphates in the range 1.5 < or = Ca/P < 1.8. In this study it is shown that a continuum of nanoapatites can precipitate in the range 0.8 < Ca/P< or = 1.5. In order to be formed these nanoapatites need to incorporate K+ ions. In addition they can incorporate some Na+ ions. Upon immersion in aqueous solutions these nanoapatites loose phosphate, K+ and Na+ so that in an open system they are transformed into calcium deficient hydroxyapatite Ca9(HPO4)(PO4)5OH within about 2 months.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2002

Acrylic-phosphate glasses composites as self-curing controlled delivery systems of antibiotics.

New antibiotic delivery systems based on self-hardening methyl methacrylate (MMA)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) systems and phosphate glasses (PG) in the system P(2)O(5)-CaO-Na(2)O have been developed. Self-curing formulations were prepared by mixing the solid component containing PMMA beads, different proportions of PG (30-70 wt %) and vancomycin (5 wt %) as antibiotic, with the liquid component made of MMA monomer. Dough and setting times increased with the content of PG but peak temperature decreased to values well below to guarantee the chemical stability of the antibiotic drug, gentamicin or vancomycin. Mechanical properties of the PMMA/PG composites were evaluated in compression test giving rise to values of compressive strength in the range of 100 MPa. The release of vancomycin was analyzed in vitro by immersion of samples in phosphate buffer of pH=7.4. Release profiles were influenced by the content of PG present in the cement. An initial burst of drug release was observed in all cases. The composites with 70 wt % PG released nearly the total amount of drug loaded in a period of 45 days, and those containing 60 wt % PG released the 70% of the vancomycin in the same period of time. However, either the control of the composite with 30 wt % PG released only the 30% of the drug in 10-15 days. The surface of the drug-loaded composites before and after release experiments was analyzed by ESEM. The deposition of some aggregates at certain points of the surface was detected for the specimens immersed in buffer phosphate after 45 days. This material was characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy as an amorphous phosphate formed by calcium ortho and pyrophosphates, and indicates an interaction between the hydrated layer at the place of the glass and the surrounding medium.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Human-osteoblast proliferation and differentiation on grit-blasted and bioactive titanium for dental applications.

Physico-chemical and topographical surface quality of commercially pure titanium (c.p. Ti) dental implants is one of the most influencing factors in the improvement of their osseointegration. In this sense, previously, a two-step method (2S) for obtaining bioactive blasted-rough titanium surfaces was developed for improving short-term (due to its bioactivity) and long-term (due to its roughness) osseointegration. This 2S-method consists of: (1) Grit blasting on titanium surface in order to roughen it, and (2) thermo-chemical (TCh) treatment in order to obtain a bioactive surface with bone-bonding ability. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the in vitro human-osteoblast response (proliferation, differentiation - ALP activity- and cell morphology-studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy) of rough c.p. Ti (grit blasted), bioactive c.p. Ti (thermo-chemically treated) and rough-bioactive c.p. Ti (2S-treated). Different grit materials (Al(2)O(3) and SiC) have been used in order to investigate their influence. The results showed that cell adhesion was statistically higher for the rough and bioactive surfaces, whatever the grit used. Cells proliferated very well on all the c.p. Ti surfaces. If comparing groups with and without TCh (all other treatments being equal) the ALP was always higher in the groups with TCh, indicating stimulation of osteoblast differentiation because of TCh, more significantly in the groups that were first blasted. Those ALP results were accompanied by a decrease in the value of proliferation, which shows the good behavior of the cells. This results suggest that a rough and bioactive-titanium surface obtained by 2S-treatment enhances adhesion and differentiation activity of human osteoblasts cells.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Monitoring the setting of calcium-based bone cements using pulse-echo ultrasound.

We present a new technique, based on pulse-echo ultrasound, for monitoring the entire setting process of injectable bone cement. This research has been motivated by the lack of satisfying standards. The main problem with existing standards is the subjectivity, which leads to poor reproducibility. Because of this the results are not comparable between different research groups. A strong advantage with the proposed technique is that if low-intensity ultrasound is used, it provides a non-destructive analysis method. Once the cement paste has been applied to the measurement cell, no manipulation is needed throughout the entire setting process. The problem of the ultrasound affecting the setting of certain cement materials has been investigated, and solutions are discussed. The propagation of ultrasound is temperature-dependent, and therefore a technique for automatic compensation for temperature variations is discussed briefly. The testing was performed on alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) and mixtures of CSH and alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP). The results show that the acoustic properties of the cement are strongly correlated with the setting time, the density, and the adiabatic bulk modulus. The measured initial and final setting times agree well with the Gillmore needles standard. An important difference compared to the standards, is that the technique presented here allows the user to follow the entire setting process on-line.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Fracture and fatigue behavior of shot-blasted titanium dental implants.

This investigation studies the effect of the shot-blasting treatment on the cyclic deformation behavior of a commercially pure titanium, with two microstructures: equiaxed and acicular. The fatigue tests were carried out in artificial saliva medium at 37 degrees C. Cyclic deformation tests have been carried out up to fracture, and the fatigue crack nucleation and propagation have been analyzed. The results show that the shot-blasting treatment improves the fatigue life in the microstructures studied, and that the equiaxed was better in mechanical properties than the acicular. The cause of this improvement in the mechanical properties is due to the compressive stress on the material surface for the shot-blasted specimens. Hardness tests were carried out to determine the value of these internal stresses.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed2002

Growth of bioactive surfaces on dental implants.

Some metallic materials, such as pure titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, are used for dental and orthopedic implants under load-bearing conditions. However, they do not form a chemical bond with bone, which would achieve a good implant-bone fixation in service. In recent works, it has been demonstrated that an in vitro, chemically deposited, bone-like apatite layer with bone-bonding ability could be induced on a titanium surface. By reproducing that chemical procedure, in this work, a dense bone-like apatite layer was formed on the surface of the titanium in simulated body fluid. In addition, the different steps and kinetics of the layer-formation have been studied, because the observation of the samples in the wet state by means of the environmental scanning electron microscope has allowed the observation in situ of the apatite deposition process over a number of days. One of the most important features of the present study is that it can be carried out on a single titanium sample and the process is not interrupted at any stage. One of the main drawbacks of this chemical method is that the samples covered with apatite are susceptible to contamination by bacteria. The behavior of different types of antibiotics used to avoid this contamination has also been studied using the environmental scanning electron microscope. Finally, osteoblast cells have been cultured on the apatite-coated titanium samples to assess their biocompatibility.

Alloys↗

PubMed2002

Surface hardening by anodizing and heat treatments of Ti6Al4V alloys for articular prostheses.

This paper presents a study of the surface hardening of Ti6Al4V alloy produced by electrochemical anodizing and by different heat treatments, in addition to studying the annealing of the martensitic structure. Results of the combination of both methods produce hardening over 1300 HV and an important improvement on the tribological behaviour. These values could improve wear resistance of this alloy in applications like articular prostheses.

Alloys↗

PubMed2001

Mechanical and rheological improvement of a calcium phosphate cement by the addition of a polymeric drug.

A polymeric acrylic system supporting a derivative of the aminosalicylic acid was incorporated in a calcium phosphate cement, with the aim not only to achieve some pharmacological effects but to obtain an improvement of its mechanical and rheological properties. It is known that, besides the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, the salicylic group presents a calcium complexation ability. The inorganic phase of the cement consisted of alpha-tricalcium phosphate [alpha-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)] and precipitated hydroxyapatite added as a seed. The liquid phase was an aqueous solution of Na(2)HPO(4). The polymeric drug increased the injectability of the cement. The hydrolysis of the alpha-tricalcium phosphate into calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite proceeded at a lower rate because of the addition of the polymeric drug. As a consequence, the cement hardening was slightly slower, although the final compressive strength was 25% higher. The bending strength increased from 5 to 9 MPa with the addition of the polymeric drug. The strengthening of the structure was related to the reduction of porosity and the lower size of the precipitated crystals, as observed by scanning electron microscopy.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2001

Early imaging of integration response to polypropylene mesh in abdominal wall by environmental scanning electron microscopy: comparison of two placement techniques and correlation with tensiometric studies.

The repair of incisional hernias has taken advantage of the strength provided by prosthetic mesh grafts, but the best position for inserting the materials has not been conclusively established. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) provides imaging of biologic samples with minimal manipulation. We used ESEM for early imaging of the integration response to polypropylene meshes placed in two anatomic positions in the abdominal wall and correlated results with tensiometric studies. Two macroporous polypropylene prostheses were implanted in a rat model--one on the abdominal aponeurotic layer and one on the peritoneal surface--without creating a wall defect. Studies were performed over implantation intervals of 7, 15, and 30 days in strips obtained from the polypropylene fiber-receptor repair tissue interface. Microscopic appearance, tensile strength, percent elongation, and stiffness were evaluated. Meshes implanted on the abdominal aponeurotic layer showed better early tissue incorporation (higher collagen deposition, capillary density, cell accumulation) and increased tensile strength, reflecting tighter anchorage to the abdominal wall. The percent elongation increased from day 7 to day 30 after implantation, mainly in the deep stratum. The ESEM images correlated well with biomechanical results, indicating the potential of this technique as a powerful, effective tool for use in wound-healing studies.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed2000

Evaluation of calcium phosphates and experimental calcium phosphate bone cements using osteogenic cultures.

In this study, rat bone marrow cells (RBM) were used to evaluate two biodegradable calcium phosphate bone cements and bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics. The substances investigated were: two novel calcium phosphate cements, Biocement F and Biocement H, tricalcium phosphate (TCP), surface-modified alpha-tricalcium phosphate [TCP (s)] and a rapid resorbable calcium phosphate ceramic consisting of CaKPO(4) (sample code R5). RBM cells were cultured on disc-shaped test substrates for 14 days. The culture medium was changed daily and also examined for calcium, phosphate, and potassium concentrations. Specimens were evaluated using light microscopy, and morphometry of the cell-covered substrate surface, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis and morphometry of the cell-covered substrate surface. Areas of mineralization were identified by tetracyline labeling. Except for R 5, rat bone-marrow cells attached and grew on all substrate surfaces. Of the different calcium phosphate materials tested, TCP and TCP (s) facilitated osteoblast growth and extracellular matrix elaboration to the highest degree, followed by Biocements H and F. The inhibition of cell growth encountered with R 5 seems to be related to its high phosphate and potassium ion release.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2000

Galvanic corrosion behavior of titanium implants coupled to dental alloys.

The corrosion of five materials for implant suprastructures (cast-titanium, machined-titanium, gold alloy, silver-palladium alloy and chromium-nickel alloy), was investigated in vitro, the materials being galvanically coupled to a titanium implant. Various electrochemical parameters E(CORR), i(CORR) Evans diagrams, polarization resistance and Tafel slopes) were analyzed. The microstructure of the different dental materials was observed before and after corrosion processes by optical and electron microscopy. Besides, the metallic ions released in the saliva environment were quantified during the corrosion process by means of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS). The cast and machined titanium had the most passive current density at a given potential and chromium-nickel alloy had the most active critical current density values. The high gold content alloys have excellent resistance corrosion, although this decreases when the gold content is lower in the alloy. The palladium alloy had a low critical current density due to the presence of gallium in this composition but a selective dissolution of copper-rich phases was observed through energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Precipitation of carbonated apatite in the cement system alpha-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)-Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2)-CaCO(3).

Powder mixtures of alpha-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2), Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2), and CaCO(3) were investigated to assess their potential for the precipitation of a carbonated apatite suitable for cement applications from a supersaturated solution. Of particular interest was the requirement of carbon dioxide release during the setting reaction to obtain Ca(9-x)(HPO(4))(1-1.5x) (PO(4))(5-2.5x)(CO(3))(3.5x)(OH)(1 + 1.5x) with a fixed carbonate content. Results indicated that a compromise is necessary with respect to the maximum permissible level of CaCO(3) addition to the powder mixture as against appropriate setting and hardening properties. Cementlike materials with good setting and hardening properties were obtained when alpha-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2) was the main reactant using Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2) and CaCO(3) as additives in relative proportions of <10 wt % corresponding, approximately, to the stability field area (x,lambda) contained within the lines lambda = -1.5x, x = 0.3, and lambda = -1. Desirable workability and setting properties were lost as the parameters x and -lambda increased. Finally, it was also found to be virtually impossible to obtain a predetermined chemical composition for the setting apatite precipitate, since to increase the amount of carbon dioxide released from the initial powder mixture during setting, the solution pH would need to be decreased, and in doing so the nature of the precipitate could be altered to fulfil the thermodynamic conditions of the solubility diagrams of calcium phosphates.

Apatites↗

PubMed1999

Effect of porosity and environment on the mechanical behavior of acrylic bone cement modified with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene particles: I. Fracture toughness.

The elastomeric copolymer acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) was added to a conventional acrylic bone cement matrix. The results obtained show that although strength and stiffness decreased with an increasing second phase volume fraction, ductility and toughness both increased. The crack propagation became stable for specimens containing over a 5% volume fraction of the second phase. The fracture toughness increased up to 60% when the amount of ABS reached 20% (v/v). For larger amounts linear elastic fracture mechanics techniques could not be used properly. The effects of porosity and environmental conditions on the mechanical behavior were also studied. The mechanisms that control the fracture process were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1999

Effect of porosity and environment on the mechanical behavior of acrylic bone cement modified with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene particles: part II. Fatigue crack propagation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding an elastomeric second phase, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, on the fatigue crack propagation behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement. Moreover, the influence of porosity and environmental conditions was studied. When comparing the plain cement to the modified cement, a decrease in the crack propagation rate was observed at between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude. The storage in a physiological environment (saline solution at 37 degrees C) also caused a decrease in the crack propagation rate of about 2 orders of magnitude for the plain and modified cement prepared in air or under a vacuum. Porosity did not have any noticeable effect on the fatigue crack propagation behavior of the cement.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1999

Effect of copper addition on the superelastic behavior of Ni-Ti shape memory alloys for orthodontic applications.

Transformation temperatures and mechanical properties such as transformation stresses at different temperatures, superelasticity characteristics, and load cycling behavior have been investigated in NiTiCu orthodontic archwires with various copper concentrations. The results have been compared with the conventional NiTi orthodontic archwires. The addition of copper was effective in narrowing the stress hysteresis and in stabilizing the superelasticity characteristics against cyclic deformation, with the result that the slope of the load-deflection unloading curve of the alloy is lower than NiTi. Moreover, it produced greater stability of both the transformation temperature and the force applied to the teeth for a determined design and wire cross-section. On the other hand, the presence of copper in NiTi orthodontic archwires reduced the ageing effect. Studies of ion release in artificial saliva showed only small quantities after long periods of immersion.

Copper↗