Research conducted at University of Maastricht, Center for Biomaterials has provided new information about biomedicine
2007 NOV 21 -- Current study results from the report, 'Towards a functional radiopaque hydrogel for nucleus pulposus replacement,' have been published. According to recent research from Netherlands, "Patients with severe back pain, attributed to a herniation of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, can benefit from a replacement of only the nucleus pulposus, provided the annulus fibrosus is still functional. This study investigated four intrinsically radiopaque hydrogel biomaterials, which were designed specifically to replace the herniated nucleus pulposus." "The important characteristic of these hydrogels is that they can be visualized entirely with both MRI and X-rays. The materials are based on copolymers of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and a radiopacity introducing monomer, 2-(4'-iodobenzoyl)-oxo-ethyl methacrylate (4IEMA). Two of the formulations also contain the chemical crosslinker allyl methacrylate (AMA). Physical-mechanical properties like the water-uptake, biocompatibility, stiffness, and fatigue and creep behavior were studied, while keeping an eye on the intended application. All four materials were designed with 5-6 mass % of iodine to ensure sufficient X-ray visibility between two vertebrae. It was found that the materials display appropriate stiffness and biocompatibility," wrote E.J. Boelen and colleagues, University of Maastricht, Center for Biomaterials. The researchers concluded: "The crosslinked materials hold most promise as a functional nucleus prosthesis, as they combine these properties also with high water content, fatigue resistance, and recovery after loading." Boelen and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B (Towards a functional radiopaque hydrogel for nucleus pulposus replacement. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B, 2007;83(2):440-50). For additional information, contact E.J. Boelen, University of Maastricht, Center for Biomaterials Research, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, Netherlands. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B is: Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA. Keywords: Netherlands, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedicine. This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.
|
