Modification of the bone cement in order to gain antibacterial protection. Marcin Wekwejt PhD, ME, defended his PhD thesis with honours | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology

Several years long research indicate that the developed bone cement can significantly eliminate problems associated with applying currently used cements in clinical practice. In future, after completing additional clinical research, it could be used as a bioactive replacement of conventional cements based on bioinert poly (metacrylane of methyl). 

Antibacterial components

Commercially available acrylic bone cement modified with three types of modifiers in various concentrations and combinations of  antibacterial components (nanoparticles of sliver and copper), biodegradable components (cellulosis, chitosan, calcium phosphorate, polydioxanon and magnesium) and bioactve components (bioglass type 45S5 and 1393-B3) were used in the research.  

- Silver and copper in nanoparticle form or their combinations show significant antibacterial properties. Their application in bone cement can result in obtaining protection and, also, using in the treatment of an infection, particularly in case of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, there was a problem with the proper secretion of nanoparticles to the tissue environment, and copper proved to be poisonous. Due to the problem with biocompatibility it had to be rejected. That is why I decided to continue the research aimed at improving the secretion of nanosilver - says Marcin Wekwejt, PhD - so that the cement does not only have antibacterial properties on its surface, but it also secretes the nanoparticles to its environment to fight an infection in a tissue. This is why the developed cement was modified with the abovementioned biodegradable components. 

- On the other hand, the application of bioactive glass was to additionally contribute to the improvement of cellular response. With is resorption proper ions are secreted and they cause the growth and adhesion of the cells - hence, bioglass can excite the synthesis of a new bone tissue - says Marcin Wekwejt PhD. 

Marcin Wekwejt's PhD thesis was supervised by professor Andrzej Zieliński, PhD, DSc, ME of the Institute of Machine Technology and Materials at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology. Anna Michnio, PhD, MD of the Department of Laboratory Medicene of Gdańsk Medical University acted as the co-advisor. 

Plans for the future

- Currently, M. Wekwejt, PhD, is cooperates in the scientific project of Michał Bartmański, PhD, on the development of injectable bone glue for instanteous fixing of titanium implants in bones. In the nearest future he would like to concentrate on obtaining new type of innovative cements: ceramic-polymer. The ones I researched in my PhD thesis ware based on a polymer (PMMA) with the addition of various modifiers, mostly bioceramics. Unfortunately, there was a significant problem associated with the secretion of non-reacted MMA monomere. Now I would like to reverse my idea and develop composite cements based on a ceramic matrix, enriched with a cross-linked polymer. I also consider a temporary detachment from antibacterial modification in favour of more efficient treatment of osteoporosis which is a serious civilization disease - says M. Wekwejt. 

Organizational activities

During his PhD studies M. Wekwejt intensively worked in the GUT Council of PhD Students and represented it as a representative and member of various committees, including Senate Committee for Education, University Committee for the Quality of Education, or the Materials Science Discipline Council. He repeatedly orgnized science-popularizing shows in the Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biocomposites. Recently, he became a secretary in the Faculty Recruitment Committee. 

Additionally, Marcin Wekwejt, PhD, ME conducts his own subject regarding the engineering of biomaterials in the University of Generations and every year he organizes a national science conference "Implants". During this event, scientists, industrialists, doctors, and PhD students discuss the newest trends and problems of implantology. In May 2022 4th edition of the conference will be held. 

Within the structures of the faculty, Marcin Wekwejt PhD, supervises an Interdisciplinary Science Club "Materials in Medicine" associating students interested in the engineering of biomaterials, their production and research.