Researchers from the University of Science and Technology have produced acrylic bone cement from cow bone through nanotechnology, which is highly effective in orthopedic surgeries and treating patients with bone injuries.
Bone cements are used to anchor artificial joints (hip joints and knee joints) that have sustained injuries by filling the free space between the prosthesis and the bone.
Among its various types, acrylic bone cement is one of the most commonly used, Mehr News Agency writes.
Majidreza Ayatollahi, the project manager, said one of the most important differences between the bone cement produced at the University of Science and Technology with previous models is its completely natural properties as the former is produced from cow bone and as such it is highly biocompatible with the human body.
“Another characteristic of this newly-developed substance is the size and properties of its constituent particles. All previous models used bone powder in micro dimensions, but reducing the particles to nano size is a completely new experience,” he said.
“Using nanotechnology helped us to improve the mechanical properties of bone particles and increase its strength to a considerable degree, while the previous models would break over time due to the loosening of the implant and ultimately cause a failure in the prosthesis system,” said Ayatollahi.
Nanostructured hydroxyapatite by an increased surface area to volume ratio obtains higher mechanical properties and more favorable biocompatibility compared to micrometer models. This is the main factor that has led to the improvement of mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the bone cement produced at Iran’s University of Science and Technology.
Experiments on determining the bone cement’s mechanical properties have been conducted successfully and the researchers are currently working on biocompatibility tests to prepare the product for commercialization and wider use in the medical field.
