A Novel Tantalum-Containing Bioglass. Part II. Development of a Bioadhesive for Sternal Fixation and Repair

With over a million median sternotomy surgeries performed worldwide every year, sternal wound complications have posed a serious risk to the affected patients. A rigid therapeutic sternal fixation device has therefore become a necessity. In this work, the incorporation of up to 0.5 mol% of tantalum pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), in exchange for zinc oxide (ZnO), into the SiO ₂ -ZnO-CaO-SrO-P ₂ O ₅ glass system is presented. The effect of Ta incorporation on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) prepared from them have been presented in this manuscript. The data obtained have confirmed that Ta ₂ O ₅ incorporation into the reference glass system results in increased working times, radiopacity, ion solubility, and long-term mechanical stability. The formulated glass systems have also shown clear antibacterial and antifungal activity against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive prokaryotes (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis), as well as eukaryotes (Fusarium solani). Cytotoxicity testing showed that Ta incorporation results in no toxicity effect and may simulate osseo-integration when tested in animal models. These new metallic-containing biomaterial adhesives have been developed for sternal fixation and repair. As a permanent implant, the formulated adhesives can be used in conjunction with sternal cable ties to offer optimal fixation for patients and reduce post-operative complications such as bacterial infection and pain from micro-motion.