Abstract Porous implants play a crucial role in allowing ingrowth of host connective tissue and thereby help in keeping the implant in its place. With the aim of mimicking the microstructure of natural extracellular matrix, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) porous samples with a desirable pore size distribution were developed by combining thermally induced phase separation and salt leaching techniques. The porous UHMWPE samples consisted of a nanofibrous UHMWPE matrix with a fibre diameter smaller than 500 nm, highly interconnected, with a controllable pore diameter from nanoscale to 300 µm. Moreover, a porous UHMWPE sample was also developed as a continuous and homogeneous coating onto the UHMWPE dense sample. The dense/porous UHMWPE sample supported human foetal osteoblast 1.19 cell line proliferation and differentiation, indicating the potential of porous UHMWPE with a desirable pore size distribution for bone application. An osseointegration model in the sheep revealed substantial bone formation within the pore layer at 12 weeks via SEM evaluation. Ingrown bone was more closely opposed to the pore wall when compared to the dense UHMWPE control. These results indicate that dense/porous UHMWPE could provide improved osseointegration while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for load-bearing orthopaedic application.

中文翻译：

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用于骨应用的超高分子量聚乙烯多孔植入物的制备

摘要 多孔植入物在允许宿主结缔组织向内生长方面起着至关重要的作用，从而有助于将植入物保持在原位。为了模仿天然细胞外基质的微观结构，通过结合热致相分离和盐浸技术，开发了具有理想孔径分布的超高分子量聚乙烯（UHMWPE）多孔样品。多孔 UHMWPE 样品由纳米纤维 UHMWPE 基质组成，纤维直径小于 500 nm，高度互连，孔径可控，从纳米级到 300 µm。此外，多孔 UHMWPE 样品也被开发为 UHMWPE 致密样品上的连续均匀涂层。致密/多孔 UHMWPE 样品支持人胎儿成骨细胞 1.19 细胞系增殖和分化，表明多孔 UHMWPE 具有用于骨骼应用的理想孔径分布的潜力。通过 SEM 评估，绵羊的骨整合模型显示在 12 周时在孔隙层内形成了大量骨。与致密的​​ UHMWPE 对照相比，向内生长的骨更靠近孔壁。这些结果表明，致密/多孔 UHMWPE 可以提供改善的骨整合，同时保持承重骨科应用所需的结构完整性。