title: Analysis of polyethylene wear debris using micro-Raman spectroscopy: a report on the presence of beta-carotene.
abstract: This paper describes micro-Raman spectroscopy of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear debris isolated from revised knee replacements. The novel application of micro-Raman spectroscopy to the analysis of in vivo-generated wear debris was used to evaluate the chemical nature of individual, retrieved polyethylene particles. The analysis revealed the presence of beta-carotene on particles from both synovial fluid and tissue samples. Raman analysis of retrieved polyethylene tibial inserts also revealed localized beta-carotene signals within the primary wear region. In this paper, a mechanism is suggested that may account for the coupling of beta-carotene and polyethylene wear debris. We also discuss the origin of beta-carotene within the implanted joint and the implications that beta-carotene, an anti-oxidant, has for the overall host response to polyethylene orthopedic components.
authors.affiliation: Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, California 94551-0969, USA.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hahn
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Wolfarth
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Parks
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011095:Polyethylenes; D019207:beta Carotene