Biocompatibility and Bone Tissue Compatibility of Alumina Ceramics Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Aims: The addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) remarkably improves the mechanical characteristics of base materials. CNT/alumina ceramic composites are expected to be highly functional biomaterials useful in a variety of medical fields. Biocompatibility and bone tissue compatibility were studied for the application of CNT/alumina composites as biomaterials.Methods & results: Inflammation reactions in response to the composite were as mild as those of alumina ceramic alone in a subcutaneous implantation study. In bone implantation testing, the composite showed good bone tissue compatibility and connected directly to new bone. An in vitro cell attachment test was performed for osteoblasts, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells, and CNT/alumina composite showed cell attachment similar to that of alumina ceramic.Discussion & conclusion: Owing to proven good biocompatibility and bone tissue compatibility, the application of CNT/alumina composites as biomaterials that contact bone, such as prostheses in arthroplasty and devices for bone repair, are expected.4

In vitro biocompatibility and ageing of 3Y-TZP/CNTs composites

“…Ogihara et al [42] showed that addition of CNTs as a reinforcement to alumina ceramics enhanced proliferation of osteoblast cells. Some other publications showed that CNTs are able to promote proliferation of osteoblast cells [7,9].…”

The effect of polymer grafting in the dispersibility of alumina/polysulfone nanocomposites

“…Concerning the inorganic nanoparticle, -alumina was selected for both its known biocompatibility and its high strength. 38,39 The grafted nanoparticles suspension stability was investigated by DLS on nanoparticles without polymer matrix in a good solvent. Microscopy techniques such as Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) were used to study the dispersion state of various loading of grafted nanoparticle within the PSU matrix.…”

Effect of Composite Alumina and Carbon Nanotubes on Cell Viability In Vitro

“…Ceramic materials are useful in tissue replacement and bone implants [1], [3]. Specifically, the aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) is an inorganic biocompatible material, being applied in knee prosthesis, and dental or bones implants, however mechanical resistance is limited [4].…”

“…It has been demonstrated that CNTs significatively increase mechanical characteristics of nanomaterials [4], [5]. Recently, several studies have proven that composite materials from aluminum oxide and multiple wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) improve mechanical properties of these ceramic materials, increasing up to 10% in flexural strength, if comparing with monolithic aluminum oxide [6].…”

“…Until now, there are few studies in vitro evaluating biological properties of composite materials with CNT, with controversial results [4], [8]- [11]. In this article, the in vitro cell viability effect of nanometric and micrometric aluminum oxide reinforced with different MWCNT percentages (0,5-1,5%) was evaluated.…”