UHMWPE and vitamin E bioactivity: An emerging perspective

Filippo Renò, Mario Cannas

Risultato della ricerca: Contributo su rivistaArticolo in rivistapeer review

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a semicrystalline biomaterial widely used in the components for articular prosthesis for its excellent mechanical qualities. Two major problems limit the UHMWPE prosthesis life - wearing and delamination, both phenomena being mainly due to chemical oxidation of polymer. Wearing causes the release of generated particulate that triggers a macrophage reaction leading to chronic inflammation and osteolysis, while delamination, due to the mechanical stress, macroscopically alters the surfaces. The most diffused method to reduce wearing is UHMWPE molecular cross-linking by high-energy irradiation followed by melting that also reduces polymer fatigue strength. For this reason, the use of vitamin E (α-tocopherol), as an anti-oxidative and biocompatible additive for normal and cross-linked UHMWPE, has been suggested as an alternative method to improve polymer wearing resistance without altering its mechanical strength. This paper describes briefly the rationale of vitamin E as UHMWPE additive and its possible use as an emerging perspective in the orthopaedic field.

Lingua originaleInglese
pagine (da-a)3039-3043
Numero di pagine5
RivistaBiomaterials
Volume27
Numero di pubblicazione16
DOI
Stato di pubblicazionePubblicato - giu 2006

Fingerprint

Entra nei temi di ricerca di 'UHMWPE and vitamin E bioactivity: An emerging perspective'. Insieme formano una fingerprint unica.

Cita questo