Issue 9, 2013

Mesoporous silica films as a novel biomaterial: applications in the middle ear

Abstract

In this tutorial review we present the process of the development of functional implants using mesoporous silica. The different steps from chemical synthesis and physicochemical characterization followed by in vitro testing in cell culture assays to clinically relevant in vivo animal studies are examined. Since the end of the 1990s, mesoporous silicas have been considered as biomaterials. Numerous investigations have demonstrated their non-toxic and biocompatible properties. These qualities in combination with the unique properties of high surface area and pore volume, uniform and tunable pore sizes and chemical modifiability are the reasons for the great scientific interest in this field. Here we show that besides bulk materials or mesoporous silica nanoparticles, mesoporous silica films are highly promising as coatings on medical prostheses or implants. We report on the development of functionalized mesoporous silica materials specifically for middle ear applications. Middle ear prostheses are used to restore the sound transmission through this air-filled cavity when the small bones of the middle air (the ossicular chain) have been destroyed by disease or by accidents. In addition to optimal restoration of sound transmission, this technique bears several challenges, e.g. an ongoing bacterial infection or the displacement of the prosthesis due to insufficient fixation. To improve the healing process, a mesoporous silica coating was established on ceramic middle ear prostheses, which then served as a base for further functionalizations. For example, the bone growth factor BMP2 was locally attached to the coating in order to improve the fixation of the prosthesis by forming a bony connection to the remainder of the ear bones. Further, an implant-based local drug delivery system for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin was developed with the aim of fighting bacterial infections. Further possibilities using mesoporous silica nanoparticles as part of a composite on an implant are briefly discussed.

Graphical abstract: Mesoporous silica films as a novel biomaterial: applications in the middle ear

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
29 Aug 2012
First published
25 Mar 2013

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2013,42, 3847-3861

Mesoporous silica films as a novel biomaterial: applications in the middle ear

N. Ehlert, P. P. Mueller, M. Stieve, T. Lenarz and P. Behrens, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2013, 42, 3847 DOI: 10.1039/C3CS35359A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements