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Biocomponents Based on Hydroxiapatite: Influence of Sterilization on the Mechanical Resistance

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sterilization on the compressive and flexural mechanical strength of hydroxyapatite-based biocomponents obtained through freeze-dried bovine bone, and its association with chitosan.

Methods

Freeze-dried bovine bone was processed into 100 μm particles and mixed with 50% of its weight in chitosan. The mixture was packed in metallic molds for preparing the specimens, and sterilized at 127°C using an autoclave for subsequent experimentation. The specimens were subjected to compression and flexion tests following norm 5833 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), with 6 × 12 mm cylindrical blocks (for compression tests) and 75 × 10 × 3.3 mm plates (for flexion tests) as samples. The samples were divided into four groups of 20 specimens each, with 10 for compression and 10 for flexion tests. Three groups were sterilized (autoclave, gamma rays, and ethylene oxide), whereas the fourth group (control) was not. The mechanical tests obtained from the different sterilization processes were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA, p< 0.05), followed by the Tukey multiple comparison test of means, with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The specimens presented mean compressive strengths of 10.25 MPa for the control group and 3.67 MPa, 9.65 MPa, and 9.16 MPa after ethylene oxide, gamma ray, and autoclave sterilization, respectively. Flexion test results showed an average resistance of 0.40 MPa in the control group, and 0.15 MPa, 0.17 MPa, and 0.30 MPa after ethylene oxide, gamma ray, and autoclave sterilization, respectively. There were statistically significant differences observed in the maximum compression of the ethylene oxide-sterilized group compared with that of the control group (p= 0.0002), gamma ray-sterilized (p= 0.0003), and the autoclaved (p= 0.0006) groups. There was a statistically significant difference in maximum flexion of the specimens sterilized by gamma rays when compared with the control group (p= 0.0245). However, low flexural strengths were observed in all specimens.

Conclusion

The autoclave sterilization group did not result in statistically significant differences in either compression or flexion strength tests. Thus, the autoclave proved to be the best sterilization option for the hydroxyapatite-based biocomponents in this study.

Keywords
biocompatible materials; chitosan; bone transplantation; hydroxyapatite; mechanical tests

Resumo

Objetivo

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da esterilização na resistência mecânica à compressão e flexão de biocomponentes à base de hidroxiapatita obtida a partir de osso bovino liofilizado e sua associação com quitosana.

Métodos

O osso bovino liofilizado foi processado em partículas de 100 μm e misturado à quitosana em proporção de 50% de seu peso. A mistura foi acondicionada em moldes metálicos para preparo dos espécimes e esterilizada a 127°C em autoclave para posterior experimentação. Os espécimes foram submetidos a ensaios de compressão e flexão seguindo a norma 5833 da International Organization for Standardization (ISO); os espécimes eram blocos cilíndricos de 6 × 12 mm (para ensaios de compressão) e placas de 75 × 10 × 3,3 mm (para ensaios de flexão). As amostras foram divididas em quatro grupos de 20 espécimes cada, sendo 10 para ensaios de compressão e 10 para ensaios de flexão. Três grupos foram esterilizados (por autoclavagem, raios gama e óxido de etileno), enquanto o quarto grupo (controle) não foi. Os testes mecânicos obtidos nos diferentes processos de esterilização foram comparados por análise de variância (ANOVA, p< 0,05) seguido pelo teste de comparação múltipla de médias de Tukey, com intervalo de confiança de 95%.

Resultados

Os espécimes apresentaram resistências médias à compressão de 10,25 MPa para o grupo de controle e 3,67 MPa, 9,65 MPa e 9,16 MPa após esterilização com óxido de etileno, raios gama e autoclavagem, respectivamente. Os resultados do teste de flexão mostraram uma resistência média de 0,40 MPa no grupo de controle, e 0,15 MPa, 0,17 MPa e 0,30 MPa após esterilização com óxido de etileno, raios gama e autoclavagem, respectivamente. A compressão máxima observada no grupo esterilizado com óxido de etileno foi estatisticamente diferente à obtida no grupo de controle (p= 0,0002), esterilizado com raios gama (p= 0,0003) e autoclavado (p= 0,0006). A flexão máxima dos espécimes esterilizados com raios gama foi estatisticamente diferente à observada no grupo de controle (p= 0,0245). No entanto, a resistência à flexão foi baixa em todos os espécimes.

Conclusão

A esterilização em autoclave não foi associada a diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos testes de compressão ou flexão. Assim, a autoclave foi a melhor opção de esterilização para os biocomponentes à base de hidroxiapatita neste estudo.

Palavras-chave
materiais biocompatíveis; quitosana; transplante ósseo; hidroxiapatita; testes mecânicos

Introduction

Advances in the health area, combined with engineering and other branches of science, mainly motivated by the increase in life expectancy and quality of life, have enabled the development of techniques that seek to reestablish the total or partial functions of the organ or tissue of people who suffered some kind of mutilation or were affected by some disease.11 Galia CR, Macedo CA, Rosito R, Mello TM, Camargo LM, Moreira LF. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of lyophilized bovine bone biocompatibility. Clinics (São Paulo) 2008;63(06):801-806

As the body ages, joints and bones become fragile, causing pain and restricting certain movements. Thus, orthopedic, dental and veterinary implants have been applied with greater frequency, and many studies are performed to obtain equipment and, in this case, implant materials such as bone that meet these new medical needs.22 Owusu-Dompreh F. Aplicação de tecnologias de manufatura rápida ao desenvolvimento integrado de produtos em clínicas e indústrias de manufatura médica [dissertação]. OkioYoungstown State University; 2013. Disponível em: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num¼ysu1389697786
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Biomaterials are more relevant in devices that are temporarily or permanently implanted into the human body. These improve the bone repair process in the dental, orthopedic and veterinary areas, mainly in bone fractures and affections, such as: small bone defect in elongation or shortening of extremities, corrective addition or subtraction osteotomies, dental and orthopedic prostheses, tumoral bone defects, and pseudoarthrosis.

These materials differ from others because they contain a combination of mechanical, chemical, physical, and biological properties that make them viable to be used inside the human body.22 Owusu-Dompreh F. Aplicação de tecnologias de manufatura rápida ao desenvolvimento integrado de produtos em clínicas e indústrias de manufatura médica [dissertação]. OkioYoungstown State University; 2013. Disponível em: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num¼ysu1389697786
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Among the several materials that are constantly being tested and evaluated in the laboratory are hydroxyapatite—with proven osteoconductive function—and chitosan—a biopolymer capable of stimulating the release of cellular cytokine inducers. The combination of these biomaterials consolidates their advantages into a single compound that accelerates the bone regeneration process, especially in cases of fractures with delayed or poor bone union.33 Teixeira ER. Superfícies dos implantes: o estágio atual. In: Dinato JC, Polido WD. Implantes osseointegrados: cirurgia e prótese. São Paulo: Artes Médicas; 2001:63-80

Hydroxyapatite is one of the most biocompatible ceramics due to its similarity with the minerals that constitute human bones and teeth.44 Fook ACB, Aparecida AH, Fook MVL. Desenvolvimento de biocerâmicas porosas de hidroxiapatita para utilização comoscaffolds para regeneração óssea. Rev Matéria 2010;15(03):392-399 It has various advantages such as uniform composition, high biocompatibility, safety—it is not toxic, allergenic, or carcinogenic—and completely controllable microstructure (pore size).55 Ono I, Tateshita T, Nakajima T. Evaluation of a high density polyethylene fixing system for hydroxyapatite ceramic implants. Biomaterials 2000;21(02):143-151 Therefore, it has been studied as a potential substitute material for bone and dental implants.66 Pretorius JA, Melsen B, Nel JC, Germishuys PJ. A histomorphometric evaluation of factors influencing the healing of bony defects surrounding implants. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2005;20(03):387-398 Some studies used hydroxyapatite with different proportions of calcium and phosphorus to verify its function in bone regeneration based on its osteoconductive property.77 Vital CC, Borges APB, Fonseca CC, et al. Biocompatibilidade e comportamento de compósitos de hidroxiapatita em falha óssea na ulna de coelhos. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 2006;58(02): 175-18388 Rezende CMF, Borges APB, Bernis WO, Melo EG, Nobrega Neto PI. Aspectos clínicos cirúrgicos e radiográficos da hidroxiapatita sintética na diáfise proximal da tíbia de cães. Arq Bras Med Vet Zootec 1998;50(05):537-545

Kong et al.99 Kong L, Yuan G, Lu G, Gong Y, Zhao N, Zhang X. A study on the bioactivity of chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite composite scaf-folds for bone tissue engineering. Eur Polym J 2006;42(12): 3171-3179 conducted an in vitro study to investigate the bioactivity of chitosan/hydroxyapatite and observed that the composite presented better bioactivity than chitosan alone. Chitosan is obtained from chitin, a polysaccharide found abundantly in nature, primarily in crustaceans, insects, and fungi. Chitosan is obtained from chitin by a process of chemical or enzymatic deacetylation.1010 Costa Silva HSR, Santos KSCR, Ferreira EI. Quitosana: derivados hidrossolúveis, aplicações farmacêuticas e avanços. Quim Nova 2006;29(04):776-785 The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of chitosan led to its numerous applications in different fields, including the food industry, cosmetic and personal care products, wastewater management, pharmacological products, and implantable materials.1111 Enescu D, Olteanu CE. Chitosan funcionalizado e a sua utilização na investigação farmacêutica, biomédica e biotecnológica. Chem Eng Commun 2008;195(10):1269-12911212 Cheung C. The future of bone healing. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2005; 22(04):631-641, viii

In this study, it was determined that we cannot use these biomaterials, hydroxyapatite and chitosan, in the human body without going through the sterilization process, which weakens the mechanical structure of these components, changing their resistance. Based on that, this referent study aims to research the best sterilization method that allows its use without changing the characterization of the material and losing its resistance. Therefore, hypotheses are made regarding the best sterilization method. The chosen methods can be divided into physical (heat, filtration, and radiation) and chemical (phenolic compounds, chlorhexidine, halogens, alcohols, peroxides, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and peracetic acid).

Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of sterilization on the mechanical strength of lyophilized bovine bone (hydroxyapatite) that was processed and mixed with chitosan at 50% by weight. The specimens from the different groups were submitted to compression and flexion tests according to norm 5833 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Materials and Methods

For this study, 10 bovine femurs were obtained from animals between 2 and 3 years of age from slaughterhouses in the Southern Region of Brazil. A flowchart of this study's chemical and mechanical processes was prepared to facilitate the execution (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
Flowchart of the chemical and mechanical processes in the experimental study.

Initially, the muscular portion of the bones was removed, then cleaned and degreased with hydrogen peroxide and saline solution. Bone fillets were prepared using a band saw, frozen in an ultrafreezer (−70°C), and lyophilized using a LS3000 Terroni (Terroni Elec., São Carlos, SP, Brazil) freeze-drier (Fig. 2). Freeze-drying was performed over a period of 5 days to remove all bone moisture by sublimation. After lyophilization, the bones were cut into blocks, triturated, and ground using a SPLabor Parakeet Mill (SPLabor. Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil) model 16 at an average rotation of 50 RPM, using 30 Ø8 mm and 80 Ø15 mm spheres (Fig. 3). The grinding was performed for 6 to 12 hours, until it reached a maximum granulometry of 100 µm, as verified using the Mastersizer 3000 (Malvern Panalytical. Malvern, United Kingdom) equipment (Fig. 4).

Fig. 2
Freeze-dryer Terroni LS 3000 model.

Fig. 3
Parakeet Mill SPLabor model 16.

Fig. 4
Mastersizer 3000.

For mixing the inputs, first the materials were weighed in a Shimadzu analytical balance, model AY220. Chitosan was added, with a proportion of 50% in weight, to lyophilized bovine bone in a Marconi industrial mixer (Marconi Ltda. Piracicaba, SP, Brazil) for a period of 3 minutes. To make an alloy, 3.5 mL of distilled water was added for every 10 g of powder. After homogenization, the composite was inserted into metal molds to make the specimens. These were made in standardized templates, manufactured according to ISO 5833. The molds were filled with the bone mixture after applying the release agent WD-40 (Theron Marketing Ltda. Curitiba, PA, Brazil) in the holes to facilitate the subsequent removal of the components. Metallic molds with dimensions of 6 ×12 mm (compression test) and 75 ×10 ×3.3 mm (flexion test) were used (Fig. 5A and 5B). Steel 316L plates were used for the lower and upper ends of the molds to facilitate sample extraction. A pachymeter was used to verify the specimens' standardization.

Fig. 5
(A) Compression matrix. (B) Bending matrix.

The molds were immobile for 7 days and the removal was aided by an extruder tool formed by a handle of clinical grade dental mirror (size no. 5). Thereafter, the samples were stored away from humidity and light, at an average temperature of 23°C, to prevent interference until the application of mechanical loads.

After the calibration process, they were sterilized in four groups of 20 units each using autoclave for the first, gamma rays for the second, and ethylene oxide for the third group.

The results of the mechanical tests obtained from the different sterilization processes performed were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey multiple comparison test of means, with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica (Statsoft Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA) software, version 7.0. The values considered as statistically significant were p< 0.05.

Autoclave

Autoclaving sterilization was performed in the Sterilization Center of the Hospital São Vicente de Paulo in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. The material was sterilized at a water boiling temperature of 121°C for 15 minutes.

We used the 300-L STERIS Industrial Autoclave (Future Health Concepts Inc. Sanford, FL, USA) model SV 3043, following all the protocols required by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Standards.

Gamma Rays

The specimens were sent to Companhia Brasileira de Esterilização (EMBRARAD. Cotia, SP, Brazil) for application of gamma rays using a Linear Cobalt 60 Accelerator (Nordion Inc. Ottawa, ON, Canada) models JS 7500 and JS 9600.

All the controls and documentation of the process were followed, as foreseen by the ISO 9001 standard. They were made with 3 cycle times of 2'18” for the JS 9600 model and 2 cycle times of 7'45” for the JS 7500 model.

Ethylene Oxide

The sterilization method using ethylene oxide gas was performed in a Baumer autoclave (Baumer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) with a 700 L capacity for 3 to 4 hours of exposure.

The ethylene oxide gas is injected into the chamber once it reaches the pressure and temperature levels adjusted to the exposure time. After exposure to ethylene oxide, the material goes through a vacuum processing phase with nitrogen injection sequence, to completely remove the gas and reduce the risk of poisoning.

Mechanical Tests

The tests were performed using the SCHENK machine (Hangzhou Jizhi Mechatronic Ltd. Hangzhou, China) from the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of the Universidade de Passo Fundo, in the Southern Region of Brazil.

Of the 80 samples, 40 units were assayed for flexion and 40 for compression. The samples were divided into 60 units that went through a sterilization process, 20 each for autoclave, gamma rays, and ethylene oxide, while the other 20 control samples did not undergo sterilization. The tests were performed according to ISO 5833 (Fig. 6A).

Fig. 6
(A) Compression test. (B) Bending test.

Compression Test

According to ISO 5833, samples for compression testing should be made in cylindrical matrices with dimensions of 6 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length. In our study, the speed of application of compressive force was constant with values between 19.8 and 25.6 mm/min.

Bending Test

The flexural test follows the ISO 5833 standard, which proposes a minimum flexural strength of 1800 MPa and an upper flexural modulus starting at 50 MPa. The standard also suggests recording the flexural values found when the loading was equal to 15N (initial) and 50N (Fig. 6B), in addition to the rupture force of the specimen.

Results

In all compression and flexural tests, supraphysiological loads were used to break the specimens.

In the compression tests, there was no statistically significant difference observed between the control and gamma ray-sterilized groups (p= 0.9634), control and autoclave-sterilized (p= 0.8170), and gamma rays and autoclave sterilized groups (p= 0.9784). However, there were statistically significant differences observed in the maximum compression of the ethylene oxide-sterilized group compared with the control (p= 0.0002), gamma ray-sterilized (p= 0.0003), and the autoclaved (p= 0.0006) groups. These results indicate that there is a loss of resistance to compression when the biomaterial specimens are sterilized by ethylene oxide. Thus, ethylene oxide is not a good alternative for the sterilization of the composite studied.

Considering the flexural strength, there was no statistically significant difference between specimens from the control and ethylene oxide sterilized groups (p= 0.0764), control and autoclave-sterilized (p= 0.5816), ethylene oxide-sterilized and autoclaved (p= 0.4182), ethylene oxide and gamma ray-sterilized (p= 0.9954), and gamma ray-sterilized and autoclaved groups (p= 0.3230). However, there was a statistically significant difference in maximum flexion of the specimens sterilized by gamma rays when compared with the control group (p= 0.0245). Therefore, there was a significant loss of flexural strength when comparing the specimens sterilized by gamma rays with the control group.

Although there were no statistically significant differences observed in the control group to flexural strength, ethylene oxide caused an important loss of strength of the material. However, low flexural strengths were observed in all specimens. Moreover, the autoclave sterilization group did not present statistically significant differences in either compression or flexion strength tests (Table 1, Figs. 7 and 8).

Fig. 7
Values of average compressive stress found in the different groups.

Fig. 8
Values of average stress to bending found in the different groups.

Table 1
Average values of resistance of specimens sterilized using different processes

Discussion

According to the studies by Somfai et al.1313 Somfai T, Noguchi J, Kaneko H, et al. Production of good-quality porcine blastocysts by in vitro fertilization of follicular oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage. Theriogenology 2010;73 (02):147-156 (2010) they mention that it is interesting to use a compound of hydroxyapatite and chitosan, combining the osteoconductive characteristic of the first with the biodegradability and mechanical resistance of the second. They reported that after 60 days, complete degradation of the biomaterials was not observed in implants for dogs. However, for Danilchenko et al.1414 Danilchenko SN, Maksym PV, Kalinkevich OV, Kalinkevich AN. Chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite biomaterials made by a one step co-precipitation method: preparation, characterization and in vivo tests. J Biol Phys Chem 2009;9(03):119-126 (2009), who evaluated that the same composite, implanted in the tibia of rats, had good osteoconductive properties and biodegradation was practically complete, suggesting that the total replacement of the hydroxyapatite/chitosan implant by the neoformed bone tissue inside of bone failure occurs up to the 24th day after implantation. This difference was probably due to the difference between species (the metabolism rate of rats is higher than that of dogs). Fontes1515 Fontes EB. Hidroxiapatita sintética associada ou não à fração total de células mononucleares na regeneração de osso alveolar de cães [dissertação]. Santa Maria, RS: Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; 2009 (2009), in a study with hydroxyapatite to assess alveolar bone regeneration in dogs, found that at 60 days there was still the presence of the biomaterial. It was concluded that more studies are necessary to evaluate the biodegradation time of this compound.

According to the study by Rolim et al.1616 Rolim AE, Carvalho F, Costa R, Rosa FP. Chitosan Scaffolds - Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties for Bone Repair. Rev Virtual Quim 2018;10(02):211-228 (2018) there was a more favorable biological response when chitosan was associated with other biomaterials. Therefore, it is important to continue scientific investigations with the use of these natural biopolymers, to better understand their role in cell behavior, as well as to improve manufacturing methodologies that can expand their clinical use in bone regeneration. With ongoing scientific investigations in all relevant areas of knowledge and in biomaterials, it is expected that many bone diseases—such as bone loss due to trauma, bone resection due to tumors, bone aging, as well as skeletal, metabolic, or genetic alterations—will be successfully treated with new bone regeneration protocols.

As reported by Rosito1717 Rosito R. Reconstrução acebular com enxerto ósseo liofilizado humano ou bovino associado a dispositivo de reforço [dissertação]. Porto Alegre: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina; 2006 (2006), the freeze-drying process may cause damage to the properties of the bone, especially to resistance. However, other studies using freeze-dried and frozen human and bovine bone grafts in acetabular reconstruction of patients found that the resistance property of these grafts was similar. With the application of compression tests, one can evaluate the resistance of freeze-dried bone and observe whether the mechanical properties are not altered.1717 Rosito R. Reconstrução acebular com enxerto ósseo liofilizado humano ou bovino associado a dispositivo de reforço [dissertação]. Porto Alegre: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina; 2006 Another study on freeze-dried bone showed a weakening of the grafts after the tests.1818 Fosse L, Rønningen H, Benum P, Lydersen S, Sandven RB. Factors affecting stiffness properties in impacted morsellized bone used in revision hip surgery: an experimental in vitro study. J Biomed Mater Res A 2006;78(02):423-431 Resistance to torque was also applied to freeze-dried bones, showing an alarming loss of 88% of the original resistance.1919 Iturria M, Rodriguez-Emmenegger C, Viegas R, et al. Basic design of lyophilization protocols for human bone tissues. Lat Am Appl Res 2010;40(02):147-151 In contrast, there were studies reporting that lower humidity increased the bone's mechanical resistance.2020 Orsi VV, Collares MVM, Nardi NB, et al. Osso liofilizado bovino não-desmineralizado com células-tronco mesenquimais para engenharia tecidual: estudo experimental em sítio heterotópico. Rev Soc Bras Cir Craniomaxilofac 2007;10(04):133-139 Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that freeze-dried human bone presents greater mechanical resistance to compression than fresh bone.

Although the biological aspect is not the focus of this study, it should be noted that Galia's2121 Galia CR. Enxertos ósseos liofilizados impactados humano e bovino em revisão de artroplastia total de quadril [dissertação]. Porto Alegre: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; 2004(2004) and Kakiuchi et al.'s2222 Kakiuchi M, Ono K, Nishimura A, Shiokawa H. Preparation of bank bone using defatting, freeze-drying and sterilisation with ethylene oxide gas. Part 1. Experimental evaluation of its efficacy and safety. Int Orthop 1996;20(03):142-146 (1996) biopsy studies, performed in hip and knee prosthesis reviews, observed signs of integration of hydroxyapatite graft, characterized by the presence of necrotic bone trabeculae, involved by newly formed bone tissue, marrow hematopoietic, and adipose cells.

In his study, Mendes2323 Mendes R. Estudo experimental comparativo dos cimentos ósseos nacionais [dissertação]. Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro; 2006 (2006) used metal molds containing 48 cylindrical-shaped holes with dimensions of 6 ×12 mm to prepare bone cement specimens. The author used a universal mechanical test press to which a load cell of 49050 N (5000 kgf) had been attached at the speed of 20 mm/min. In this research, the author used 5 samples of 5 brands of bone cement found in the market. The tests were performed as described in ISO 5833. The tests ended when the cylinder broke or when it exceeded the yield limit. Mendes2323 Mendes R. Estudo experimental comparativo dos cimentos ósseos nacionais [dissertação]. Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro; 2006 (2006) demonstrated that all the brands considered in the study were in accordance with the standard, as they presented a compressive strength higher than 80 MPa while the standard requires a minimum value of 70 MPa.

The specimens analyzed in freeze-drying studies are varied, without standardization. In cubic samples, the length varies between 88 and 100 mm, width between 8 and 30 mm, and thicknesses between 2 and 15 mm.22 Owusu-Dompreh F. Aplicação de tecnologias de manufatura rápida ao desenvolvimento integrado de produtos em clínicas e indústrias de manufatura médica [dissertação]. OkioYoungstown State University; 2013. Disponível em: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num¼ysu1389697786
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55 Ono I, Tateshita T, Nakajima T. Evaluation of a high density polyethylene fixing system for hydroxyapatite ceramic implants. Biomaterials 2000;21(02):143-1512121 Galia CR. Enxertos ósseos liofilizados impactados humano e bovino em revisão de artroplastia total de quadril [dissertação]. Porto Alegre: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; 20042424 Oliveira ACP. Comparação entre enxertos ósseos autólogo, homólogo congelado e homólogo liofilizado em cranioplastia de ratos [dissertação]. Porto Alegre: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina; 2007 Cylindrical samples vary less and are between 8 and 10 mm.2525 Nather A, Thambyah A, Goh JC. Biomechanical strength of deepfrozen versus lyophilized large cortical allografts. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2004;19(05):526-5332626 Fideler BM, Vangsness CT Jr, Lu B, Orlando C, Moore T. Gamma irradiation: effects on biomechanical properties of human bonepatellar tendon-bone allografts. Am J Sports Med 1995;23(05): 643-646 Based on these studies, we chose different sample sizes to guide the real significance, since this characteristic may influence the outcome of the procedure. Finally, these samples were discarded, since no significant difference was observed in the compression and flexion tests.

To generate a completely dry sample without wasting time, we studied the change in mass every 24 hours of the process and concluded that 120 hours are a satisfactory time. As a final step before the use of the grafts, sterilization is necessary to inhibit any type of antigenicity that may cause damage to patients.2727 Nguyen H, Morgan DA, Forwood MR. Sterilization of allograft bone: effects of gamma irradiation on allograft biology and biomechanics. Cell Tissue Bank 2007;8(02):93-105 One of the first sterilization techniques used ethylene oxide as a substrate. However, over time, its use was substituted due to its toxic effects.2828 Mikhael MM, Huddleston PM, Zobitz ME, Chen Q, Zhao KD, An KN. Mechanical strength of bone allografts subjected to chemical sterilization and other terminal processing methods. J Biomech 2008;41(13):2816-2820 Gamma radiation doses equal to 25 kGy have shown to be promising for sterilization of bone bacteria, with no resistance loss;22 Owusu-Dompreh F. Aplicação de tecnologias de manufatura rápida ao desenvolvimento integrado de produtos em clínicas e indústrias de manufatura médica [dissertação]. OkioYoungstown State University; 2013. Disponível em: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num¼ysu1389697786
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1818 Fosse L, Rønningen H, Benum P, Lydersen S, Sandven RB. Factors affecting stiffness properties in impacted morsellized bone used in revision hip surgery: an experimental in vitro study. J Biomed Mater Res A 2006;78(02):423-4312727 Nguyen H, Morgan DA, Forwood MR. Sterilization of allograft bone: effects of gamma irradiation on allograft biology and biomechanics. Cell Tissue Bank 2007;8(02):93-1052929 Viceconti M, Toni A, Brizio L, Rubbini L, Borrelli A. The effect of autoclaving on the mechanical properties of bank bovine bone. Chir Organi Mov 1996;81(01):63-68 however, there are cases in which the permanence of prions (infectious protein particles) and of the HIV virus could only be eliminated with higher doses of radiation.2727 Nguyen H, Morgan DA, Forwood MR. Sterilization of allograft bone: effects of gamma irradiation on allograft biology and biomechanics. Cell Tissue Bank 2007;8(02):93-105 Loss of mechanical resistance is observed when higher doses of gamma radiation are used.3030 Taylor D. Inactivation of the BSE agent. C R Biol 2002;325(01): 75-763131 Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) Resolução RDC n. 156, de 11 de agosto de 2016. Dispõe sobre o registro, rotulagem e reprocessamento de produtos médicos, e dá outras providências. Disponível em: https://www.saude.mg.gov.br/index.php?option¼com_gmg&controller¼document&id¼896
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The autoclave process, which stipulates the use of temperatures higher than 120°C to exterminate infection risks to the recipient, can be used as an option for sterilization.22 Owusu-Dompreh F. Aplicação de tecnologias de manufatura rápida ao desenvolvimento integrado de produtos em clínicas e indústrias de manufatura médica [dissertação]. OkioYoungstown State University; 2013. Disponível em: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num¼ysu1389697786
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_n...
1414 Danilchenko SN, Maksym PV, Kalinkevich OV, Kalinkevich AN. Chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite biomaterials made by a one step co-precipitation method: preparation, characterization and in vivo tests. J Biol Phys Chem 2009;9(03):119-1262121 Galia CR. Enxertos ósseos liofilizados impactados humano e bovino em revisão de artroplastia total de quadril [dissertação]. Porto Alegre: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; 20042626 Fideler BM, Vangsness CT Jr, Lu B, Orlando C, Moore T. Gamma irradiation: effects on biomechanical properties of human bonepatellar tendon-bone allografts. Am J Sports Med 1995;23(05): 643-6462727 Nguyen H, Morgan DA, Forwood MR. Sterilization of allograft bone: effects of gamma irradiation on allograft biology and biomechanics. Cell Tissue Bank 2007;8(02):93-105 In contrast, this process significantly reduces the mechanical resistance of the bone graft.1414 Danilchenko SN, Maksym PV, Kalinkevich OV, Kalinkevich AN. Chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite biomaterials made by a one step co-precipitation method: preparation, characterization and in vivo tests. J Biol Phys Chem 2009;9(03):119-126 There is still no consensus on the best method to sterilize lyophilized bones.2525 Nather A, Thambyah A, Goh JC. Biomechanical strength of deepfrozen versus lyophilized large cortical allografts. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2004;19(05):526-533

Additionally, the ethylene oxide sterilization process is normally performed with temperatures in the range of 40°C to 60°C, relative humidity with an optimum point between 40% and 80%, and a gas concentration usually above 400mg/L (optimal point of efficiency) with an average cycle duration from 3 to more than 10 hours.3030 Taylor D. Inactivation of the BSE agent. C R Biol 2002;325(01): 75-76 This method was used due to the low temperature in the sterilization process, in which the deformation of the used inputs does not occur.

Comparing previous studies with ours, it was possible to verify that there was no statistically significant difference in flexural strength between specimens from the control and ethylene oxide-sterilized groups (p= 0.0764), control and autoclave-sterilized (p= 0.5816), ethylene oxide and autoclave sterilized (p= 0.4182), ethylene oxide and gamma ray sterilized (p= 0.9954), and gamma ray and autoclave sterilized groups (p= 0.3230). However, there was a statistically significant difference in maximum flexion of the specimens sterilized via gamma rays when compared with the control group (p= 0.0245). Although there was no significant difference in the control group, ethylene oxide caused loss of resistance of the material. Therefore, autoclaving seems to be a better option for sterilization of the studied biomaterial, as it did not result in significant losses of resistance either to compression or flexion.

Conclusion

The present study evaluated the influence of the sterilization processes (autoclave, ethylene oxide, and gamma rays) on biocomponents containing hydroxyapatite and chitosan in the proportion of 50% weight. The different processes of sterilization evaluated can cause different losses of resistance compared with the non-sterilized biomaterial. The autoclave sterilization process did not result in significant loss of resistance to compression and flexion, proving to be a good option for the sterilization of the hydroxyapatite-based biocomponents studied here.

  • Financial Support
    There was no financial support from public, commercial, or non-profit sources.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    13 Jan 2023
  • Date of issue
    Nov-Dec 2022

History

  • Received
    01 July 2021
  • Accepted
    20 Jan 2022
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