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Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Surface Microhardness, Wettability, and Bacterial Inhibition of Acrylic Bone Cements Modified with Silver-Doped CNTs
1  Restorative and Dental Materials Department, Oral and Dental Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), El Bohouth St., 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Academic Editor: Marco Cicciù

Abstract:

Background: Acrylic bone cement is widely used in orthopedics and dentistry for primary bone fixation. However, its limited mechanical strength and poor biological interface pose clinical challenges. To enhance their properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag) have been explored. CNTs are known to reinforce polymers, while Ag nanoparticles provide antimicrobial benefits. Combining both may yield a synergistic effect, improving mechanical strength and antibacterial performance. Objective: This study evaluates the effect of incorporating 0.05 wt% silver-doped carbon nanotubes (Ag-doped CNTs) into acrylic bone cement. Key properties assessed include compressive strength, flexural strength, surface microhardness, wettability, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: A control group was prepared using traditional acrylic powder mixed with monomer liquid. In the modified group, 0.05 wt% Ag-doped CNTs were added to the acrylic powder before mixing. Compressive strength, flexural strength, surface microhardness, and wettability were tested. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using an agar diffusion test against S. aureus to test the inhibition zone. Independent sample t-tests (p < 0.05) were used to compare results between groups. Results: The modified acrylic cement exhibited significantly higher compressive strength (91 MPa), flexural strength (73 MPa), surface microhardness (39.1 VHN), and improved wettability (contact angle: 92.2°) compared to the control group, which recorded values of 72.3 MPa, 54.3 MPa, 21.1 VHN, and 107.9°, respectively. Additionally, the modified cement demonstrated a larger inhibition zone diameter against S. aureus (12.6 mm) than the control (9.1 mm) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Incorporating 0.05 wt% Ag-doped CNTs into acrylic bone cement significantly improves its mechanical and antibacterial properties. This modification holds strong potential for clinical applications in both orthopedics and dentistry, offering enhanced strength, better surface characteristics, and effective bacterial inhibition compared to traditional formulations.

Keywords: Acrylic bone cement, carbon nanotubes, silver, compressive strength, flexural strength, microhardness, wettability, antimicrobial effect
Comments on this paper
Marvin Ortega
This is a very compelling materials study with clear clinical relevance. The idea of combining CNT reinforcement with the antimicrobial effect of silver is well thought out, and the results seem to support a genuine synergistic benefit rather than a marginal improvement. The gains in compressive and flexural strength, along with the substantial increase in surface microhardness, are particularly important given the mechanical demands placed on acrylic bone cements in both orthopedic and dental applications. Improved wettability is another strong point, as it can positively influence tissue interaction and overall integration.
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