eva‎luation of the effect of silanizing agent on mechanical properties an‎d bioactivity of acrylic bone cement

10/5/2026 12:00:00 AM

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is widely recognized as one of the most commonly used materials in orthopedic applications such as kyphoplasty, arthroplasty, an‎d prosthesis fixation. Despite its favorable mechanical properties an‎d ease of application, PMMA lacks inherent bioactivity an‎d exhibits limited ability to form direct bonds with bone tissue. In recent years, strategies involving the incorporation of bioactive nanoparticles—such as hydroxyapatite an‎d bioactive glass—have been explored to improve its biological performance. In the present study, a novel approach based on surface modification of the PMMA powder phase via chemical functionalization was pursued to enhance bioactivity. To this end, PMMA microspheres were synthesized using a solvent evaporation emulsion method. This process involved several challenges, including the selec‎tion of appropriate surfactant type an‎d concentration, mixing conditions, an‎d morphological stability control. Subsequently, the microspheres were treated with sulfuric acid to introduce carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups on their surfaces. Surface chemical functionalization was then carried out using different concentrations of silane coupling agents, namely 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) an‎d tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) an‎d scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the success of the surface modification process while maintaining the microsphere morphology after chemical treatment. The bioactivity of the modified samples was eva‎luated through immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 7 an‎d 14 days. The formation an‎d progressive growth of a hydroxyapatite layer on the surface of the modified microspheres over time were confirmed by SEM imaging, FTIR, an‎d X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The results demonstrate that chemical surface functionalization of PMMA microspheres with silane agents is an effective strategy to improve the bioactivity of the material an‎d enhance its clinical performance in implant-related applications.

پلي متيل متااكريلات , گليسيدوكسي پروپيل تري متوكسي سيلان , اصلاح سطح , زيست فعالي

Polymethylmethacrylate , y-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane , Surface modification , Bioactivity

Fatemeh Mohammadi

Rahim Naghizadeh - Saeed Hesaraki