A novel ultra high molecular weight polyethylene-hyaluronan microcomposite for use in total joint replacements. I. Synthesis and physical/chemical characterization

A novel microcomposite between ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and hyaluronan (HA) was developed to create a hydrophilic and lubricious UHMWPE surface for total joint replacement and other biomedical load-bearing applications. Preforms with interconnected micropores were used as the UHMWPE starting material to form a microcomposite with HA, rather than starting with fully dense, bulk UHMWPE. HA was silylated first to increase its hydrophobicity and compatibility with UHMWPE. The silylated groups were removed through hydrolysis prior to final compression molding. A uniform and enzymatic degradation resistant HA film layer was produced on the microcomposite surface, which quickly hydrated in water, forming a lubricious surface film that was fully wetted by water drops during contact angle measurements. Presence of HA film on the composite surface was also demonstrated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and Toluidine Blue 0 dye assay. The mechanical and tribological properties evaluation of the novel microcomposites are presented in Part II. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.