Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
17
Quantitative Raman Spectroscopy
of Biomaterials for Arthroplastic Applications
Giuseppe Pezzotti
Abstract
Raman microprobe spectroscopy has considerable potential as an an-
alytical tool in orthopedic science for its capability of non-destructively assess-
ing the physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics of load-bearing parts
in arthroplastic components (i.e., artificial joints). In comparison to other as-
sessment techniques, Raman spectroscopy offers high spatial resolution in the
characterization of oxidation states, phase transformations, crystallographic tex-
tures and residual stress/strain fields as developed at load-bearing surfaces of
arthroplastic components, when embedded in biological envi-ronment. Further-
more, confocal probes can be used for non-destructively determining highly graded
properties along the material subsurface. We show in this chapter a quantita-
tive visualization of biomaterial mesostructures and, through such information,
how the surfaces of orthopedic prostheses react to load bearing in biological
environment.
17.1 Introduction
A significant contribution of Raman spectroscopy to the analytical charac-
terization of biomedical issues has been made in the area of biomaterials,
especially in the identification of biodegradation and deterioration [1, 2]. The
general impact of Raman spectroscopy on the study of biomaterials has been
described by this author in three recent review articles [3-5]. In this chapter,
the topic of Raman characterization of biomaterials is revisited with partic-
ular emphasis placed on those biomaterials widely employed for load-bearing
surfaces in artificial joints. Important recent case studies are presented to il-
lustrate the power of the Raman technique to answer key questions of broad
medical, scientific, and technological interest. The analytical and physical sci-
ence lying behind the Raman effect is shown to contribute to the accumula-
tion of a wealth of fundamental information about the medical and technical
achievements of prosthesis makers.
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