Biomimetic topography in orthopaedic ceramic

Wilkinson, Andrew James (2016) Biomimetic topography in orthopaedic ceramic. MD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to perform an in vitro assessment of the ability of microscale topography to alter cell behaviour, with specific regard to producing favourable topography in an orthopaedic ceramic material suitable for implantation in the treatment of arthritis.
Topography at microscale and nanoscale alters the bioactivity of the material. This has been used in orthopaedics for some time as seen with optimal pore size in uncemented hip and knee implants. This level of topography involves scale in hundreds of micrometres and allows for the ingrowth of tissue. Topography at smaller scale is possible thanks to progressive miniaturisation of technology.
A topographic feature was created in a readily available clinically licensed polymer, Polycaprolcatone (PCL). The effect of this topography was assessed in vitro.
The same topography was transferred to the latest generation composite orthopaedic ceramic, zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA). The fidelity of reproduction of the topography was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). These investigations showed more accurate reproduction of the topography in PCL than ZTA with some material artefacts in the ZTA.
Cell culture in vitro was performed on the patterned substrates. The response of osteoprogenitor cells was assessed using immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction and alizarin staining. These results showed a small effect on cell behaviour.
Finally metabolic comparison was made of the effects created by the two different materials and the topography in each.
The results have shown a reproducible topography in orthopaedic ceramics. This topography has demonstrated a positive osteogenic effect in both polycaprolactone and zirconia toughened alumina across multiple assessment modalities.

• Item Type: Thesis (MD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Biomaterials, orthopaedics, arthroplasty, ceramic, topography, cell engineering.
• Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology; R Medicine > RD Surgery
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences > Molecular Biosciences
• Supervisor's Name: Dalby, Professor M. J.
• Date of Award: 2016
• Depositing User: Mr A Wilkinson
• Unique ID: glathesis:2016-7791
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 12 Dec 2016 12:05
• Last Modified: 30 Dec 2016 09:58
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/7791