Shiel AI, Ayre WN, Blom AW, Hallam KR, Heard PJ, Payton O, Picco L, Mansell JP. Development of a facile fluorophosphonate-functionalised titanium surface for potential orthopaedic applications.
J Orthop Translat 2020;
23:140-151. [PMID:
32818135 PMCID:
PMC7427324 DOI:
10.1016/j.jot.2020.02.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Aseptic loosening of total joint replacements (TJRs) continues to be the main cause of implant failures. The socioeconomic impact of surgical revisions is hugely significant; in the United Kingdom alone, it is estimated that £137 m is spent annually on revision arthroplasties. Enhancing the longevity of titanium implants will help reduce the incidence and overall cost of failed devices.
Methods
In realising the development of a superior titanium technology, we exploited the natural affinity of titanium for phosphonic acids and developed a facile means of coating the metal with (3S)1-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4-(oleoyloxy)butyl-1-phosphonate (FHBP), a phosphatase-resistant analogue of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Importantly LPA and selected LPA analogues like FHBP synergistically cooperate with calcitriol to promote human osteoblast formation and maturation.
Results
Herein, we provide evidence that simply immersing titanium in aqueous solutions of FHBP afforded a surface that was superior to unmodified metal at enhancing osteoblast maturation. Importantly, FHBP-functionalised titanium remained stable to 2 years of ambient storage, resisted ∼35 kGy of gamma irradiation and survived implantation into a bone substitute (Sawbone™) and irrigation.
Conclusion
The facile step we have taken to modify titanium and the robustness of the final surface finish are appealing properties that are likely to attract the attention of implant manufacturers in the future.
The translational potential of this article
We have generated a functionalised titanium (Ti) surface by simply immersing Ti in aqueous solutions of a bioactive lipid. As a facile procedure it will have greater appeal to implant manufacturers compared to onerous and costly developmental processes.
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