Enhancing implants – making it work the first time
Implants are prosthetic devices that serve a dual purpose of structural support and encouragement of new bone growth. All implants must be biocompatible. Most are now also biodegradable and bioresorbable (capable of being broken down and reabsorbed within the body) as well as having bioactivity to encourage new bone growth while inhibiting infection. There is room for improvement in many of these categories. When implants fall short, revision surgery may be necessary. The most common reason is loosening of the implant, with dislocation accounting for about 1 in every 10 revision surgeries and infection for slightly fewer. The Meddelcoat project was initiated to develop multifunctional coatings for orthopaedic and dental implants and fixation devices to significantly reduce the need for revision surgery. Scientists focused on thorough investigation of implant/coating/bone interfacial structure in order to develop materials that enhance biocompatibility, resorption, fixation and inhibition of infection (of biofilm formation). Goals included development of new coating techniques enabling engineering of the surface interface structures to enhance fixation, osteointegration (in-growth of bone) and biofilm inhibition. Materials and processes were tested in model microorganism systems, cell cultures and animal models. Scientists also used theoretical models to evaluate thermal treatment process parameters and effects on materials. Meddelcoat results are expected to have important impact on orthopaedic and dental prosthetics, enhancing performance and reducing the need for revision surgery.
