A critical review on ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for prosthesis and implant functions

Polymer composites benefit joint prostheses and implants in biomaterials due to their high strength, reliability, and elasticity modules. The addition of nanoparticles into the polymer-based matrix has effectively demonstrated up-grading wear resistance and implant strength improvement. Therefore, due to the elevated surface area and immense properties, considerable attention has been paid to research in integrating nanoparticles for a wide variety of functions. The UHMWPE is extensively used to develop prosthesis and orthopedic operations due to exceptional mechanical and biocompatible features. The various research studies revealed the fabrication of bio nanocomposites with the polymer matrix possesses superior biocompatibility and durability. This paper presents a critical review of UHMWPE for the latest advancement in polymeric implants by adding different nanoparticles. Another exciting aspect of the proposed work is the addition of different organic (carbon, polymeric) and inorganic (metallic and metal oxides) nanoparticles to develop bio-nano composites. An effort has been made to highlight the exceptional features of modified UHMWPE by supplementing nanofillers for biomedical functions.