New electrochemical process for coating implants

1 July 2009

Researcher from Tel Aviv University has found a new electrochemical process that is better than the conventional processes. Prof Noam Eliaz is behind the innovation and he found that the new implant improves function and longevity as well and therefore the newly developed process can significantly enhance the life of patients who have undergone the total joint replacements.

The new implants are more acceptable to people’s bodies as these are able to enhance the integration of the nanocoatings to the human tissues and these nanocoatings very much resemble with the biological materials. Professor Eliaz found 33% decrease in material failures with the new coatings.

Traditionally plasma spraying technique is more common and is used, however Prof Eliaz from Tel Aviv University and his team have successfully developed a process of electrochemically depositing synthetic hydroxypatite. In the new developed process, implanting the metal coating through an electrolyte using electric current carries out the coating onto the metal.

As professor Eliaz suggest that electrical coating is generally works better at low temperature and therefore the process can suitably incorporate biological materials. The suitably selected drug will reduce the risk of post-surgery infection and at the same time will boost the growth of the bone faster.

Professor Eliaz presented a paper in the Electrochemical Society’s meeting held at San Francisco in May 2009.

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