Post-surgical infections are still one of the most frequent adverse events in the prosthetic surgery. PMMA-based cements are widely employed in orthopaedic surgery as filler or prosthetic fixing device. The main problems associated with this material are poor bone integration and infection development. Aiming to avoid bacterial adhesion and to extend the longevity of implants, different solutions were proposed, both in terms of operative procedures and new materials development. Regarding the materials advancement, innovative PMMA-based composite bone cements, contemporaneously bioactive and antibacterial (without the use of antibiotics), were developed. The composites are based on a PMMA matrix containing a bioactive glass, doped with antibacterial ions (Ag+ or Cu++); so, the same filler shows at the same time the ability of promoting bone ingrowth and an antibacterial effect. Composite cements were characterized in terms of morphology and composition, curing parameters and mechanical properties; in vitro tests were performed to verify the material ability to release antibacterial ions and to promote the precipitation of hydroxyapatite. Moreover, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties were verified. The cements characteristics were tested using different commercial matrix and different viscosities; therefore, the proposed formulations represent an innovative solution for a new family of antibiotic-free, bioactive and antibacterial cements.

Summary Statement

The problem facing this research is to promote rapid osteointegration of titanium implants and to minimise the risks of infections by the functionalization with different agents, each designed for a specific action. A patented process gives a multifunctional titanium surface.