Nanotechnology as an Anti-Infection Strategy in Periprosthetic Joint Infections (PJI)

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a devastating consequence of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) because of its high morbidity and its high impact on patient quality of life. The lack of standardized preventive and treatment strategies is a major challenge for arthroplasty surgeons. The purpose of this article was to explore the potential and future uses of nanotechnology as a tool for the prevention and treatment of PJI. Methods: Multiple review articles from the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were reviewed in order to establish the current efficacy of nanotechnology in PJI preventive or therapeutic scenarios. Results: As a prevention tool, anti-biofilm implants equipped with nanoparticles (silver, silk fibroin, poly nanofibers, nanophase selenium) have shown promising antibacterial functionality. As a therapeutic tool, drug-loaded nanomolecules have been created and a wide variety of carrier materials (chitosan, titanium, calcium phosphate) have shown precise drug targeting and efficient control of drug release. Other nanotechnology-based antibiotic carriers (lipid nanoparticles, silica, clay nanotubes), when added to common bone cements, enhanced prolonged drug delivery, making this technology promising for the creation of antibiotic-added cement joint spacers. Conclusion: Although still in its infancy, nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize prevention and treatment protocols of PJI. Nevertheless, extensive basic science and clinical research will be needed to investigate the potential toxicities of nanoparticles.

Effect of Lime and Organic Binders on Clay Gold-Bearing Ores Filterability

The present work relates to hydrometallurgy, in particular, to gold-bearing clay ores leaching processes. The initial and agglomerated material filterability was studied. Filterability varies in different agglomeration conditions. Influence of cement, lignosulfonate, plastizer (Cemmix CemPlast), lime consumption was investigated. The negative effect of organic reagents additives, such as plasticizer (Cemmix CemPlast) and lignosulfonate, on the filtration process was established. Colmatation of agglomerated ore minimizes at CaO and Ca (OH)2 using as a modifier of the system, also phase separation in the percolation regime and under pressure proceeds without difficulty. Lime and cement joint use in the optimum proportion at clay ore agglomeration under the studied conditions reduces the filtration duration from a few hours to 2-5 minutes.