University West in Sweden announces that in the future, damaged bones can be rebuilt with 3D-printed implants that have thermally sprayed surface layers to make them more readily accepted by the human body. Because suspension plasma spraying opens up entirely new possibilities, University West in Sweden has started a new research project, together with Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India.
Researchers in India will produce 3D-printed titanium implants that can be customized for various types of injuries. The porous implants are coated with a thermally sprayed, nanostructured layer of biomaterial and filled with a mixture of collagen and stem cells. This “filling” helps to better integrate the bone implant with the body. The task of University West is to give the implant a biocompatible surface layer that improves mechanical functionality and is also antibacterial.
With the aid of suspension plasma spraying, scientists will test different nanostructured layers consisting of hydroxylapatite, silver, and graphene. Hydroxylapatite is a well-known biomaterial that is often used for various types of implants. Silver has antibacterial properties and graphene can help increase the mechanical properties of the implant. Combinations of these three materials in one layer can give the improved properties mentioned above.
Suspension plasma spraying has several advantages. Since the coating material is mixed with liquid, it is easy to test different mixtures. In addition, very thin layers can be sprayed with good adhesion and high crystallinity and density – that is, the layer becomes stronger and more durable.
The research project will run from 2020 to 2021 and is funded by the Swedish Research Council, within the framework of the research collaboration between India and Sweden (the Indo-Swedish Joint Network).
https://www.hv.se/en/news-archive/thermal-spraying-can-provide-better-bone-implants/
