New laser technology can greatly improve the antibacterial performance and cell

In recent years, medical device implantation has received more and more attention and recognition. Unfortunately, in the process of joint replacement surgery and spinal fusion surgery, when rods, plates, screws and other devices are implanted into the human body, infection and complications are still common.

Recently, researchers from Purdue University in Indiana, USA developed a laser therapy method, which can fix titanium orthopedic screws containing silver and non silver on the surface of implants to improve their antibacterial performance and cell fusion ability.

It is worth noting that this process can be applied to many metal medical implant surfaces currently in use, with a huge market potential. Saw estimates that this work can help more than 6 million people who receive orthopedic and trauma surgery every year to improve their quality of life.

(Image source: Purdue University)

In the above latest research, the researchers tested the antibacterial effect of laser nanostructured titanium surface and laser fixed silver against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. It was observed that these surfaces were able to maintain high and stable antibacterial properties for more than 6 days. In addition, compared with the original titanium implant surface, the bone ablation integration performance of laser nano textured titanium surface is also improved by 2.5 times.

Rahim Rahimi, assistant professor of the School of Materials Engineering of Purdue University, explained: "First, we create hierarchical nanostructures on the surface of titanium implants to enhance the attachment of bone cells." "The second step is to fix silver with antibacterial properties on the surface of titanium implants. This technology enables us to not only fix antibacterial silver compounds on the surface of titanium implants, but also provide a unique surface nano texture, which can better solve the problem of attachment mineralization. These unique characteristics will help to improve the effect of implants, thereby reducing the risk of infection and reducing complications (such as implant failure)."

Professor Rahim Rahimi said that the traditional way to solve the infection caused by the implantation of orthopaedic equipment is usually to use antibiotics or other surface modification with related complications.

He said: "These traditional drug coatings cannot provide long-term antibacterial protection because most of the loaded drugs are released in a short time. Microbial mixtures are often found in implant related infections. Therefore, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum bactericide."

At present, this innovation has been reported to the Office of the Technology Commercialization Research Foundation of Purdue University, which has applied for the patent of this intellectual property right. Next, the goal of the above research team is to apply the new process to standard orthopedic fixtures, so as to verify the technology, obtain the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and authorize it to companies in the orthopedic field.

Source: OFweek Laser Network