Work

A multi-modal strategy for enhancing titanium–bone interface strength and antimicrobial properties of PMMA bone cements

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Infection prevention and retention at the bone-device interface are critical for long-term stability of titanium-based biomedical implants. This study utilized a multifactorial approach to assess bond strength and antibacterial activity of PMMA bone cements modified with polymerizable antimicrobials (QAM) for sustained antibiofilm effects. Four commercial dental adhesives were tested between porcine cortical bone and PMMA bone cements (Jet Acrylic or Biomet Bone Cement R). Shear bond strength (SBS), interface analysis (SEM, FTIR/ATR) and cytotoxicity (MTT) were compared to controls without dental adhesive, the current standard of care. Bone cements were modified with QAMs and evaluated with or without dental adhesive for physical properties, antibiotic activity and SBS. Refobacin was used as an antibiotic-containing commercial control. A twenty-fold increase in SBS was observed with one of the adhesives compared with no adhesive. Refobacin and the QAM-modified cement significantly reduced S. aureus biofilm biomass, but the QAM cements sustained antimicrobial activity after water storage. Adhesives mitigated bond strength reduction for the antimicrobial materials compared to standard of care. Overall, the results suggest that the application of dental adhesives prior to cementation provides an avenue for improving implant retention and that incorporating QAMs may offer a means of sustained infection control.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115970