Polylactic acid/multi walled carbon nanotubes (PLA/MWCNT) nanocomposite for 3D printing of medical devices

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.

Bioresorbable Mg-Based Metastable Nano-Alloys for Orthopedic Fixation Devices

This research has been accomplished using the advanced selective laser melting (SLM) technique as well as HIP post-treatment in order to improve mechanical properties and biocompatibility of Mg– Ca–Sr alloy. Through this research it becomes clearly noticeable that the Mg–1.5Ca–xSr (x = 0.6, 2.1, 2.5) alloys with Sr exhibited better mechanical properties and corrosion potentials. This is more particular with the Mg–1.5Ca–2.5Sr alloy after HIP post-treatment allowing it to provide a desired combination of degradation and mechanical behavior for orthopedic fracture fixation during a desired treatment period. In vivo trials, there was a clear indication and exhibition that this Mg–1.5Ca–2.5Sr alloy screw can completely dissolve in miniature pig’s body which leads to an acceleration in growth of bone tissues. Mg–Ca–Sr alloy proved potential candidate for use in orthopedic fixation devices through Our results concluded that Mg–Ca–Sr alloy are potential candidate for use in orthopedic fixation devices through mechanical strength and biocompatibility evaluations (in vitro or In vivo).

Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination of Casting Material in a Pediatric Population

Surgical site infection is a relatively common and devastating complication following pediatric orthopedic surgery. Many infections have been determined to be the result of settled airborne particles on surgical equipment and the sterile field. Fiberglass casts are commonly used orthopedic fixation devices before and after surgery; however, fiberglass casting material is expelled during the removal process and represents an uninvestigated area for the possibility of cast saw dust as a source of airborne bacterial contamination in an operating room setting. This study evaluates the prevalence and distribution of microbiota on 90 pediatric casts by collecting and culturing fiberglass cast material from 90 pediatric casts. Bacterial identification was performed using a Bruker Biotyper Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry device. 81 out of 90 casts (90%) showed evidence of microbial contamination. Isolated species were very diverse and ranged from normal skin flora to opportunistic pathogens. The 5 most commonly isolated organisms were Acinetobacter pittii, Enterobacter cloacae, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus hominis. Further investigation is required to determine if casting material is truly a cause of surgical site infection.

The Effect of Heat-Treatment on Mechanical, Microstructural, and Corrosion Characteristics of a Magnesium Alloy With Potential Application in Resorbable Bone Fixation Hardware

Mg alloys are promising materials for bone implant applications mainly due to their low specific density, desirable stiffness and bioresorbability in the human body. Mg-Zn-Ca alloys are among the most promising materials for resorbable orthopedic fixation devices due to their superior biocompatibility. However, the mechanical and corrosion properties of the as-cast Mg-Zn-Ca alloys are insufficient. Heat treatment is a practical approach for strengthening Mg alloys especially after the fabrication of porous structures and 3D-printed components. We have investigated heat treatment of these devices and have studied the resulting microstructure of Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca (wt. %) alloys by hardness, compression, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical and immersion corrosion tests. Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca alloy was prepared with high purity Mg, Zn and Ca by casting. The cast ingots were solution-treated at 510 °C for 3 h then quenched in water. The quenched ingots were age hardened in an oil bath at 200 °C for 2 h. Pure Mg, as-cast and heat-treated Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca alloy ingots were cut into coupons to characterize their mechanical and corrosion properties. In vitro corrosion tests were conducted in modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. The hardness of the Mg-Zn-Ca alloy was significantly increased from 52.6 to be 66.8 HV after heat treatment. Also, the compression test results revealed that the heat-treated alloy has the highest compressive yield and ultimate strengths without significant change in stiffness and maximum strain. The mass loss of the Mg-Zn-Ca alloy by week 4 of the in vitro immersion test reduced from 174.6 mg/cm2 for the as-cast alloy to 101.7 mg/cm2 after the heat-treatment process. Heat-treatment was found to be a powerful post-shaping process not only to enhance the mechanical properties of the Mg-1.6Zn-0.5Ca (wt. %) alloy, but also to significantly improve its biocorrosion properties. Such heat-treated alloys can also be coated with biocompatible ceramics that provide additional protection from corrosion during the bone healing period (3–4 months).