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Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering
Improvements To Uhmwpe, Brooke Mckelvogue
Improvements To Uhmwpe, Brooke Mckelvogue
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a material used in artificial implants for articular joint replacements. However, these implants have a limited lifespan in which the patient will be pain-free due to the wear of the UHMWPE components. Recently crosslinking, or exposing the material to radiation, has been used to extend the wear resistance of UHMWPE. Crosslinking introduces another set of drawbacks; mainly the reduction of the fracture toughness of UHMWPE and the generation of free radicals, which leave the polymer vulnerable to damage from oxidation. Currently, research is being conducted on other methods to increase the wear resistance …
Biomaterials Associated Infections: The Scale Of The Problem, David J. Stickler, Robert J. C. Mclean
Biomaterials Associated Infections: The Scale Of The Problem, David J. Stickler, Robert J. C. Mclean
Cells and Materials
The biomaterials used in the manufacture of implanted prosthetic devices profoundly impair the host's ability to opsonise and phagocytose invading microbes. As a result, while these devices generally provide effective relief from painful, crippling and life-threatening disorders, they can also induce vulnerability to infection in the recipients. The surfaces of the implants are susceptible to colonisation by microbial biofilms. The cells in the biofilm.s are further protected against opsonophagocytosis and are also resistant to antibacterials. Device associated infections thus tend to be refractile to antibiotic therapy and in many cases the device has to be removed before the infection will …