Characteristics of copper-containing cobalt chromium particles: Metal ion release, passive behavior, and biological response

• Published in: Powder technology 2024-11, Vol.447, p.120225, Article 120225
• Main Authors: Lu, Y.J., He, Y.F., Chen, H.X., Huang, H., Zhang, X., Lin, J.X.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aseptic loosening; body fluids; bone resorption; chromium; cobalt; Metal ions; osteoblasts; osteoclasts; Release behavior; technology; Wear particle
• ISSN: 0032-5910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.120225

Wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis, leading to aseptic loosening, is the primary cause of total joint arthroplasty failure. Our study aimed to design Cu-containing Co29Cr9W particles (Co29Cr9W3Cu) to investigate the potential release of Cu ions from these particles in mitigating osteoclast over-activation. Analysis of Cu, Co, and Cr ion release from Co29Cr9W3Cu particles in simulated body fluid showed that Cu addition did not significantly increase metal ion release. In vitro tests confirmed the non-toxicity of Cu-containing particles to osteoblast cells, indicating minimal impact on Co, Cr, and W ion release with 3 wt% Cu addition. Importantly, Cu-containing Co29Cr9W particles demonstrated the ability to reduce osteoclast expression, potentially via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Alloying 3 wt% Cu into Co29Cr9W particle presents a promising strategy for mitigating osteoclast over-activation in wear particle-induced osteolysis. [Display omitted] •Designed Cu-containing Co29Cr9W powders to reduce aseptic prosthetic loosening.•Observed minimal impact of Cu addition on the dissolution rate of Co29Cr9W particles.•Confirmed the absence of toxicity in Cu-containing Co29Cr9W particles towards osteoblast cells.•Suggested that Cu-containing Co29Cr9W particles could reduce osteoclast expression.