Evaluation of silicon nitride as a wear resistant and resorbable alternative for total hip joint replacement.

In this study, it was shown that α-Si(3)N(4)-powder dissolves in PBS. Adsorption of blood plasma indicated a good acceptance of Si(3)N(4) in the body with relatively low immune response. Si(3)N(4) sliding against Si(3)N(4) showed low wear rates both in bovine serum and PBS compared with the other tested wear couples. Tribofilms were built up on the Si(3)N(4) surfaces both in PBS and in bovine serum, controlling the friction and wear characteristics. PMID: 23507807 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Source: Biomatter - Category: Biotechnology Tags: Biomatter Source Type: research