Bio-Ceramic-Based Bone Implant Coating for Better Stability and Functional Metabolism between Bone Tissues and Metal Implants

Background: Bone Replacement is suggested for a patient when the patient's knee/limb bone region starts to be painful / swollen around the joint part due to osteoarthritis and other bone-related diseases; during surgery, a new bone implant made of metal on metal (titanium, cobalt-chromium) or a polymer on metal (polyethylene on titanium) is used. A huge disadvantage of this kind of bone implant is that it causes inflammation and infections due to the metal or polymer debris generated on the implant. Infections or inflammation caused by bacterium adherence to an implant surface, a biofilm formation occurring at the implantation site, and infections caused by metal debris generated from friction and movement of the knee joint are referred to as implant-associated infections.

Method: So, in this research work, we have developed a bio-ceramic-based composite coating on a metal implant comprising beta-Tricalcium phosphate, pectin, gelatin, and (PVP) polyvinylpyrrolidone on a titanium screw to increase biocompatibility, antibacterial activities, and anti-inflammatory activities of the implant. Composite coating on a bone implant will enhance cell growth around the implant and it gives a viable environment for the implanted site.

Results: The primary characterization of the composite coating materials is conducted by (SEM) Scanning Electron Microscopy with (EDX) Energy Dispersive X-ray, a (FTIR) Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy analysis, in vitro antibacterial testing, and anti-inflammatory testing and the in vitro degradation study is conducted for the determination of stability of the coating.

Conclusion: In the above tests, it is concluded that our novel composite coating materials have an increased antibacterial effect and biocompatibility in nature. However, further research is needed for the in vivo testing process to confirm the use of synthesized bio-ceramic-based composite coating for bone tissue engineering or bone defects.