Comparative study on the efficacy of the UHMWPE surface modification by chemical etching and electrostatic spraying method for drug release by orthopedic implants

Failure of fixation between bone and implant surface due to bacterial infection, is one of the key challenges in total hip arthroplasty. It might lead to poor implant stability and complex revision surgery. Surface modification of an acetabular cup liner for sustained drug delivery is an effective approach to reduce the biofilms associated infection. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of different surface modification technique on drug delivery, mechanical and tribological performances of the acetabular cup liner. Solvent-based etching and electrostatic spray deposition technique was individually used to engineer a thin microporous surface layer on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is commercially used as acetabular cup liner in total hip implant. Porous surfaces were filled with drug (gentamicin) containing biodegradable polymer (chitosan) through impregnation process and their efficacy was compared in the intended application. The surfaces, modified by both techniques, have shown lower friction coefficient. The higher wear rates were noticed for electrostatic sprayed coating. Both the modified surfaces have shown slight decrease in hardness and elastic modulus, which may be attributed to improper impregnation of polymer inside porous surface. However, after the release of drug, the solvent-based etched surface regains its mechanical and tribological properties, in similar range to the unmodified UHMWPE surface. Both the modified surfaces have shown an impressive drug release profile and in vitro antibacterial efficacy. The drug release duration was more for electrostatic spray modified surface. Hence, these surfaces modified implant parts shown great promise for fighting against post-surgery bacterial infection.