Drug release behavior from nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide.

In this study, we developed a new drug delivery system using anodic oxidation. The growth of a porous oxide layer on aluminum under anodic bias in various electrolytes has been studied for more than 40 years. Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) has many uniform nanopores on its surface. This nanoporous surface can be used for drug storage. The effects of the diameter and depth of the AAO on the release characteristics of a drug were investigated. Paclitaxel was used for the drug loading and release test. Paclitaxel was loaded on the inside of the AAO by ultrasonication. The amount of the drug released from the AAO was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pore size did not affect the drug release behavior. However, the depth of the pores had a significant influence on the release rate of the drug.

Transfer of metallic debris from the metal surface of an acetabular cup to artificial femoral heads by scraping: comparison between alumina and cobalt-chrome heads.

We aimed to investigate the transfer of metal to both ceramic (alumina) and metal (cobalt-chrome) heads that were scraped by a titanium alloy surface under different load conditions. The ceramic and metal heads for total hip arthroplasties were scraped by an acetabular metal shell under various loads using a creep tester. Microstructural changes in the scraped area were visualized with a scanning electron microscope, and chemical element changes were assessed using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Changes in the roughness of the scraped surface were evaluated by a three-dimensional surface profiling system. Metal transfer to the ceramic and metal heads began to be detectable at a 10 kg load, which could be exerted by one-handed force. The surface roughness values significantly increased with increasing test loads in both heads. When the contact force increased, scratching of the head surface occurred in addition to the transfer of metal. The results documented that metallic debris was transferred from the titanium alloy acetabular shell to both ceramic and metal heads by minor scraping. This study suggests that the greatest possible effort should be made to protect femoral heads, regardless of material, from contact with metallic surfaces during total hip arthroplasty.