In Vivo Tests of Hybrid Nano Composite Modified Implants

A biomimetic approach has been applied to design and realize new odontostomatological Titanium (Ti) implants using a multifunctional bioactive ceramo-polymeric hybrid material. The proposed biomimetic/biomechanical approach consists in combining mechanical and physical characterization of the hybrid nanocomposite to biosolid mechanics Finite Element Analysis of the new design implants. Hybrid ceramo-polymeric nanocomposites based on Hydroxyl-Ethyl-Methacrylate polymer (pHEMA) filled with nanosilica particles are presented as biomimetic-scaffolding materials. Cytotoxicity and Osteoblast cells adhesion tests have shown good material biocompatibility and osteoconductivity [1]. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) confirmed the hybrid mechanical behaviour of these nanocomposites. Moreover, this class of material swells in presence of aqueous physiological solution according to limiting Case II sorption mode turning from glassy and rigid to soft and rubbery while presenting a mechanical behaviour, at 5 to 10 % nanosilica volume loadings, that is comparable with that of bone (when glassy) and to that of the cartilage and Ligaments (when rubbery). The use of mechanically compatible hybrid hydrogels as scaffolding materials are expected to increase prosthesis adaptation mechanisms introducing active interfaces that improve implant biomimetics while reproducing cartilage and ligaments biomechanical functions. [1] C Schiraldi, A D'Agostino, A Oliva, … R Aversa, M De Rosa, Biomaterials, 25 (17), 3645-3653 (2004). [2] R Aversa, D Apicella, L Perillo, R Sorrentino, F Zarone, M Ferrari, A Apicella, Dental Materials, 25(5), 678-690 (2009). [3] D Apicella, R Aversa, F Ferro, D Ianniello, A Apicella, J. of Biomedical Material Research: Part B, Applied Biomaterials, vol-93(1), 150-163 (2010)