Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Reinforced with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes: In Vitro Biocompatibility Study Using Macrophage-Like Cells

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are highly versatile materials; new applications using them are continuously being developed. Special attention is being dedicated to the possible use of multiwall carbon nanotubes in biomaterials contacting with bone. This study describes the response of murine macrophage-like Raw 264.7 cells after two and six days of culture in contact with artificially generated particles from both, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene polymer and the composite (multiwall carbon nanotubes and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). This novel composite has superior wear behavior, having thus the potential to reduce the number of revision knee arthroplasty surgeries required by wear failure of tibial articulating component and diminish particle-induced osteolysis. The results of an in vitro study of viability, and interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production suggest good cytocompatibility, similar to that of conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.