# Graphene Oxide Composites with Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene for Innovative Prostheses for Arthroplasty

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new composite material combining graphene oxide with polyethylene for better and safer prostheses in joint replacement surgeries.

## Contribution

A novel UHMWPE-GO composite is developed using non-toxic methods, offering enhanced mechanical and biological properties for prostheses.

## Key findings

- UHMWPE-GO composites show improved mechanical properties and thermal stability.
- The material exhibits better biocompatibility and cell adhesion in human fibroblasts.
- The composite is more resistant to wear and has antimicrobial properties.

## Abstract

Although ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
is commonly
used for prosthetic devices in arthroplasty, it is also prone to abrasion
and wear. This wear can ultimately result in the release of particles
that may trigger aseptic necrosis and activate the immune system.
Graphene oxide (GO) incorporated into UHMWPE has been proven to be
an effective strategy for improving the mechanical and biological
properties of this commercial material. We aimed to incorporate graphene
oxide into UHMWPE using an innovative method without toxic solvents
and characterize this UHMWPE-GO prosthetic material in terms of its
physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. The results showed that
the UHMWPE-GO prosthesis, compared to traditional UHMWPE prostheses,
exhibited improved mechanical properties, thermal stability, biocompatibility,
and increased adhesion in human fibroblasts in culture conditions.
Therefore, our work has produced a material for arthroplasty prostheses
that offers improved performance and good biocompatibility.