In vitro evaluation of UHMWPE/zirconia composite using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

• Published in: Macromolecular research 2013, 21(1), , pp.108-113
• Main Authors: Yoo, Ki-Dong, Kim, Gee-Hee, Noh, Dong Il, Jang, Ju Woong, Shim, Young Bok, Chun, Heung Jae
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Complex Fluids and Microfluidics; Nanochemistry; Nanotechnology; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Soft and Granular Matter; 고분자공학
• ISSN: 1598-5032; 2092-7673
• DOI: 10.1007/s13233-013-1055-0

The objective of the present study was to investigate in vitro biocompatibility of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/zirconia-polymerized composite (PC) using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study was undertaken to compare the levels of free radical generations for neat UHMWPE and PC through irradiation sterilization, and their response to PBMCs viability. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies showed that γ -ray irradiation of the samples generated free radicals; the extent was inversely related to zirconia content, and the free radicals strongly influenced cell viability. DNA fragmentation and DAPI staining assays revealed that cell death was associated with the induction of apoptosis. Flow cytometry also showed that cell death was largely dependent upon both early and late apoptosis, and, importantly, oxidized PC (ox-PC) exhibited a significantly lower rate for late apoptosis compared to that of oxidized UHMWPE (ox-UHMWPE).