WiSys Technologies

Overview

Artificial bone implants require a unique combination of properties. They must be non-toxic, resistant to corrosion, easily machined, biocompatible, and have low density. With these properties in mind, titanium and steel have been the materials of choice for implants. However, these metals have limited bioactivity, which is a necessary property for the fusion and intergrowth of the implant with bone tissue. This is essential for creating a permanent bond and improving force sensation throughout the implant.

Coatings for metal implants have been created to improve fusion and integration, but these coatings often lack the ability to bond to both metal and bone, while also maintaining the other necessary properties of a bone implant. Using bioactive glass (bioglass) coatings leads to improved bone growth when compared with conventional synthetic bone ceramics, such as hydroxyapatite, and results in shorter patient recovery times, enhanced osseointegration, and reduced rates of infection or failure. However, conventional bioglass coatings do not readily bond to metal, and current bioglass coating methods such as enameling, sol-gel precipitation, and plasma spraying result in devitrification.

Invention

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have developed a novel method for improved coating of bioglass onto metal. The present innovation involves generating a silicide interfacial coating on the metal, followed by coating with bioglass, which significantly improves the growth and adhesion of the bioglass to the metal surface. Additionally, this coating technique allows for adhering bioglass to complex implant geometries, enabling the bioglass coating to be used as a transformative technology for osseointegrated implants. Optimization of this novel method is ongoing, as well as continued testing of corrosion resistance properties. 

Applications and Benefits

• Provides a natural oxide offering improved adhesion of bioactive glass to metal implant
• Allows bioglass to remain in a vitreous state on implant, improving bioactivity of bioglass compared to current coating solutions
• Creates robust osseointegration suitable for demanding prostheses applications