Research demonstrates enhanced bioactivity and mechanical performance in PMMA composites with akermanite and zirconia, suggesting promising orthopaedic applications.
Development of advanced bone cements is essential for improving orthopaedic implant performance and longevity. This study introduces PMMA-based composite bone cements incorporating varying concentrations (5%, 15%, and 25%) of akermanite (AKT-Ca2MgSi2O7) and zirconia (ZrO2). SEM analysis revealed improved surface and enhanced mineral deposition, particularly in the composite after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). XRD confirmed the formation of hydroxyapatite, with peak intensities increasing as AKT and ZrO2 concentrations rose, indicating improved bioactivity. Micro-CT scan analysis showed the 25%AKT/PMMA/25% ZrO2 composite exhibited the highest porosity, at 32.7%. Water contact angle measurements demonstrated a significant improvement in hydrophilicity, with pure PMMA showing a contact angle of 92°±2°, reduced to 43°±6° for 25% AKT/PMMA/25% ZrO2 composite. Mechanical testing indicated a substantial increase in compressive strength, reaching 112.45±6 MPa in the composite with the highest AKT and ZrO2 content. Antibacterial activity, assessed with increasing AKT and ZrO2 content, reducing bacterial growth and increasing inhibition zones. against Staphylococcu aureus (+) (17mm), and Escherichia coli (-) (15mm) and improves compared to the control. The results suggest that AKT and ZrO2 incorporation enhances bioactivity, mechanical performance, and antibacterial properties, making the hybrid composite a promising candidate for orthopaedic applications.
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Girija et al. (2025) studied this question.
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