Objective
Most common reasons for revision surgery of implants are loosening (65%), dislocation (9%) and infection (7%). The revision rate of hip replacement surgery is between 10-20%. Rates of implant loss for dental implants is 15% over a 5-year period. Biofilm formation is the major pathogenic factor.
The project, driven by 7 dedicated complementary Hi-Tech SMEs, aims at gaining the scientific and processing knowledge to assist the SMEs in the development of the next generation multi-functional coatings for or thopaedic and dental implants and fixation devices for adequate implant fixation, bioresorbability, bioactivity, biocompatibility as well as biofilm formation inhibiting functionality, that should drastically reduce the currently experienced need for implant revisions due to loosening and infections.
The envisaged radical innovations and major breakthroughs are:
- development of new substrates and coatings with enhanced biocompatibility,
- development of radically new or improvement of existing coating techniques for processing bioresorbable and biocompatible coatings with a graded interface and tailored porosity,
- in-depth understanding of implant substrate/coating/bone interfacial structure, design and engineering of optimal implant fixation,
- knowledge on biofilm formation and inhibition,
- formulation and evaluation of biofilm inhibitors incorporated into the coating.
The project addresses the integration of nanotechnologies, materials science and advanced technologies to improve health and quality of life of European citizens and creating wealth through novel knowledge-based and sustainable products (biomaterials) and processes (coatings), by means of fostering breakthrough applications through the integration of multi-disciplinary research developments.
The project will contribute to a dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy, sustainable development, and serves the needs of an SME-intensive sector.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP6-2004-NMP-SME-4
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