Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced SiC Composite (C/SiSiC) as an Alternative Material for Endoprosthesis: Fabrication, Mechanical and In-Vitro Biological Properties

Abstract

Particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis and subsequent aseptic implant loosening are a major cause of compromising the long-term results of total joint replacements. To date, no implant has been able to mirror radically the tribological factors (friction/lubrication/wear) of in vivo tribological pairings. Carbon-Fibre Reinforced SiC-Composites (C/SiSiC), a material primarily developed for brake technology, has the opportunity to fulfil this requirement. Until now, the material itself has not been used in medicine. The aim of this investigation was to test the suitability of C/SiSiC ceramics as a new material for bearing couples in endoprosthetics. After the preparation of the composites flexural strength was determined as well as the Young’s-modulus and the coefficient of friction. To investigate in vitro biological properties, MG 63 and primary human osteoblasts were cultured on C/SiSiC composites. To review the proliferation, the cytotoxicity standardized tests were used. The cell morphology was observed by light microscopy, ESEM, confocal and 3D-laserscanning microscopy. C/SiSiC possesses a high resistance to wear. Cells exhibited no significant alterations in morphology. Vitality was not impaired by contact with the ceramic composite. There was no higher cytotoxicity to observe. Regarding these results, C/SiSiC ceramics seem to be biologically and mechanically appropriate for orthopaedic applications.

A review of recent advances in tribology

“…Biomaterials research for artificial joint replacements mainly focused on the improvement of the wear resistance currently used in clinical practice, such as metallic (cobalt chromium molybdenum alloys and titanium alloys), polymeric (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, UHMWPE) and ceramics, as well as novel biomimetic materials and combinations with potentials for longer lasting life of the implant. Silicon nitride bioceramics were investigated [317] as well as composite ceramics, to optimize both the hardness and the toughness, such as zirconia toughened alumina [318], carbonfiber reinforced silicone-carbide [319], and hexagonal boron nitride mixed with silicon nitride [320], etc. In addition to the improvement of highly crossed linked UHMWPE, potentially high performance polymers and composites were also investigated, such as ultra-low-wear polyethylene [321], polyetheretherketone (PEEK) [322] and hydrogels [323], porous polycarbonate-urethane and UHMWPE blends [324], polycarbonate urethanes [325], and polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone blend hydrogels [326].…”

Non-Oxide Ceramics for Bone Implant Application: State-of-the-Art Overview with an Emphasis on the Acetabular Cup of Hip Joint Prosthesis

“…While these values are relatively high for tribological applications, they are compensated by wear resistance in ceramic on ceramic applications. It shall be noted that measurement was taken under higher pressure than usual at the contact interface [85]. In vitro biocompatibility test revealed the good viability of bone cells cultured on the material surface.…”

“…In vitro biocompatibility test revealed the good viability of bone cells cultured on the material surface. Specifically, MG63 cells and primary osteoblasts were monitored for 21 days, and no morphologic aberrations were observed, while good adhesion and an increased number of cells per unit of surface area was found [85] (Figure 14).…”