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Du X, Lee SS, Blugan G, Ferguson SJ. Silicon Nitride as a Biomedical Material: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126551. [PMID: 35742996 PMCID: PMC9224221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicon nitride possesses a variety of excellent properties that can be specifically designed and manufactured for different medical applications. On the one hand, silicon nitride is known to have good mechanical properties, such as high strength and fracture toughness. On the other hand, the uniqueness of the osteogenic/antibacterial dualism of silicon nitride makes it a favorable bioceramic for implants. The surface of silicon nitride can simultaneously inhibit the proliferation of bacteria while supporting the physiological activities of eukaryotic cells and promoting the healing of bone tissue. There are hardly any biomaterials that possess all these properties concurrently. Although silicon nitride has been intensively studied as a biomedical material for years, there is a paucity of comprehensive data on its properties and medical applications. To provide a comprehensive understanding of this potential cornerstone material of the medical field, this review presents scientific and technical data on silicon nitride, including its mechanical properties, osteogenic behavior, and antibacterial capabilities. In addition, this paper highlights the current and potential medical use of silicon nitride and explains the bottlenecks that need to be addressed, as well as possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Du
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.S.L.); (S.J.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Seunghun S. Lee
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.S.L.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Gurdial Blugan
- Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland;
| | - Stephen J. Ferguson
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; (S.S.L.); (S.J.F.)
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Tan W, Gao C, Feng P, Liu Q, Liu C, Wang Z, Deng Y, Shuai C. Dual-functional scaffolds of poly(L-lactic acid)/nanohydroxyapatite encapsulated with metformin: Simultaneous enhancement of bone repair and bone tumor inhibition. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 120:111592. [PMID: 33545810 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bone defects caused by tumors are difficult to repair clinically because of their poor morphology and residual tumor cell-induced recurrence. Scaffolds with the dual function of bone repair and bone tumor treatment are urgently needed to resolve this problem. In this study, a poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHA)/metformin (MET) nanocomposite scaffold was constructed via selective laser sintering. The scaffolds were expected to combine the excellent mechanical strength and biodegradability of PLLA, the good bioactivity of nHA, and the water solubility and antitumor properties of MET. The PLLA/nHA/MET scaffolds showed improved cell adhesion, appropriate porosity, good biocompatibility and osteogenic-induced ability in vitro because metformin improves water solubility and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of cells within the scaffold. The PLLA/nHA/MET scaffold had an extended drug release time because the MET particles were wrapped in the biodegradable polymer PLLA and the wrapped MET particles were slowly released into body fluids as the PLLA was degraded. Moreover, the scaffold induced osteosarcoma (OS) cell apoptosis by upregulating apoptosis-related gene expression and showed excellent tumor inhibition characteristics in vitro. In addition, the scaffold induced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) by promoting osteogenic gene expression. The results suggest that the PLLA/nHA/MET composite scaffold has the dual function of tumor inhibition and bone repair and therefore it provides a promising new approach for the treatment of tumor-induced bone defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.138, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, People's Republic of China; Department of Spinal Orthopedics, Huizhou Third People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, No.1, Xuebei Road, Huizhou, Guangdong 516002, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengde Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.138, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, PR China
| | - Zhenting Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Haikou People's Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570208, P.R. China
| | - Youwen Deng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No.138, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan 410013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cijun Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Complex Manufacturing, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Marin E, Adachi T, Zanocco M, Boschetto F, Rondinella A, Zhu W, Somekawa S, Ashida R, Bock RM, McEntire BJ, Bal BS, Mazda O, Pezzotti G. Enhanced bioactivity of Si 3N 4 through trench-patterning and back-filling with Bioglass®. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 106:110278. [PMID: 31753392 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Using a simple and innovative sandblasting process, disks of monolithic biomedical silicon nitride (β-Si3N4) were texturized with a matrix of regular, discrete square trenches with a total depth in the range of hundreds of microns. The process consisted of sandblasting Si3N4 substrates through a stainless-steel wire-mesh (150 or 200 μm) using abrasive silicon carbide powders (α-SiC, ∼40 μm) under 1,034 kPa (150 psi) of gas pressure. The depth of the porosities could be controlled varying both the treatment time and the distance from the surface. Part of the samples were then filled with 45S5 Bioglass® powders to improve the osteointegration and stimulate the production of bone tissue. Due to the increased macroscopic and microscopic roughness, biological testing using human osteosarcoma cells (SaOS-2) showed improved cell proliferation and greater production of both mineral (hydroxyapatite) and organic (collagen) phases on the patterned surfaces compared to untreated β-Si3N4 or to the biomedical titanium control samples. Both of these effects were further enhanced when the porosities were filled with Bioglass®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Marin
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Adachi
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Matteo Zanocco
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Francesco Boschetto
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alfredo Rondinella
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shota Somekawa
- Shinsei, Shijohei Kawanishi Rikobo, Kyoto, 610-0101, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Ashida
- Shinsei, Shijohei Kawanishi Rikobo, Kyoto, 610-0101, Japan
| | - Ryan M Bock
- SINTX Corporation, Salt Lake City, UT, 84119, USA
| | | | - B Sonny Bal
- SINTX Corporation, Salt Lake City, UT, 84119, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Osam Mazda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kamigyo-ku, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi dori, Kyoto, 602-0841, Japan
| | - Giuseppe Pezzotti
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Kamigyo-ku, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi dori, Kyoto, 602-0841, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan; The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Pezzotti G. Raman spectroscopy of biomedical polyethylenes. Acta Biomater 2017; 55:28-99. [PMID: 28359859 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the development of three-dimensional Raman algorithms for local mapping of oxidation and plastic strain, and the ability to resolve molecular orientation patterns with microscopic spatial resolution, there is an opportunity to re-examine many of the foundations on which our understanding of biomedical grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) are based. By implementing polarized Raman spectroscopy into an automatized tool with an improved precision in non-destructively resolving Euler angles, oxidation levels, and microscopic strain, we become capable to make accurate and traceable measurements of the in vitro and in vivo tribological responses of a variety of commercially available UHMWPE bearings for artificial hip and knee joints. In this paper, we first review the foundations and the main algorithms for Raman analyses of oxidation and strain of biomedical polyethylene. Then, we critically re-examine a large body of Raman data previously collected on different polyethylene joint components after in vitro testing or in vivo service, in order to shed new light on an area of particular importance to joint orthopedics: the microscopic nature of UHMWPE surface degradation in the human body. A complex scenario of physical chemistry appears from the Raman analyses, which highlights the importance of molecular-scale phenomena besides mere microstructural changes. The availability of the Raman microscopic probe for visualizing oxidation patterns unveiled striking findings related to the chemical contribution to wear degradation: chain-breaking and subsequent formation of carboxylic acid sites preferentially occur in correspondence of third-phase regions, and they are triggered by emission of dehydroxylated oxygen from ceramic oxide counterparts. These findings profoundly differ from more popular (and simplistic) notions of mechanistic tribology adopted in analyzing joint simulator data. Statement of Significance This review was dedicated to the theoretical and experimental evaluation of the commercially available biomedical polyethylene samples by Raman spectroscopy with regard to their molecular textures, oxidative patterns, and plastic strain at the microscopic level in the three dimensions of the Euclidean space. The main achievements could be listed, as follow: (i) visualization of molecular patterns at the surface of UHMWPE bearings operating against metallic components; (ii) differentiation between wear and creep deformation in retrievals; (iii) non-destructive mapping of oxidative patterns; and, (iv) the clarification of chemical interactions between oxide/non-oxide ceramic heads and advanced UHMWPE liners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pezzotti
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8585 Kyoto, Japan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 160-0023 Tokyo, Japan; The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan; Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi dori, 602-0841 Kyoto, Japan.
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Pezzotti G, Marin E, Adachi T, Rondinella A, Boschetto F, Zhu W, Sugano N, Bock RM, McEntire B, Bal SB. Bioactive silicon nitride: A new therapeutic material for osteoarthropathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44848. [PMID: 28327664 PMCID: PMC5361106 DOI: 10.1038/srep44848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While the reciprocity between bioceramics and living cells is complex, it is principally governed by the implant's surface chemistry. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the chemical interactions of bioceramics with living tissue could ultimately lead to new therapeutic strategies. However, the physical and chemical principles that govern these interactions remain unclear. The intricacies of this biological synergy are explored within this paper by examining the peculiar surface chemistry of a relatively new bioceramic, silicon nitride (Si3N4). Building upon prior research, this paper aims at obtaining new insights into the biological interactions between Si3N4 and living cells, as a consequence of the off-stoichiometric chemical nature of its surface at the nanometer scale. We show here yet unveiled details of surface chemistry and, based on these new data, formulate a model on how, ultimately, Si3N4 influences cellular signal transduction functions and differentiation mechanisms. In other words, we interpret its reciprocity with living cells in chemical terms. These new findings suggest that Si3N4 might provide unique new medicinal therapies and effective remedies for various bone or joint maladies and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pezzotti
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8126 Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
- The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Yam daoka, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
| | - Elia Marin
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8126 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Adachi
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Alfredo Rondinella
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8126 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Francesco Boschetto
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, 606-8126 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Department of Medical Engineering for Treatment of Bone and Joint Disorders, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0854, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Sugano
- Department of Medical Engineering for Treatment of Bone and Joint Disorders, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0854, Japan
| | - Ryan M. Bock
- Amedica Corporation, 1885 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, United States
| | - Bryan McEntire
- Amedica Corporation, 1885 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, United States
| | - Sonny B. Bal
- Amedica Corporation, 1885 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States.
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Pezzotti G, Bal BS, Zanocco M, Marin E, Sugano N, McEntire BJ, Zhu W. Reconciling in vivo and in vitro kinetics of the polymorphic transformation in zirconia-toughened alumina for hip joints: III. Molecular scale mechanisms. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 71:552-557. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Pezzotti G, Bal BS, Casagrande E, Sugano N, McEntire BJ, Zhu W, Puppulin L. On the molecular interaction between femoral heads and polyethylene liners in artificial hip joints: phenomenology and molecular scale phenomena. Biomed Mater 2016; 12:015005. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/12/1/015005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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McEntire BJ, Enomoto Y, Zhu W, Boffelli M, Marin E, Pezzotti G. Surface toughness of silicon nitride bioceramics: II, Comparison with commercial oxide materials. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2016; 54:346-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Pezzotti G, Puppulin L, La Rosa A, Boffelli M, Zhu W, McEntire BJ, Hosogi S, Nakahari T, Marunaka Y. Effect of pH and monovalent cations on the Raman spectrum of water: Basics revisited and application to measure concentration gradients at water/solid interface in Si3N4 biomaterial. Chem Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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