Implants by measure
Safe personal implants can be created in Russia
Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have found that the use of additive technologies makes it possible to create personalized versions of implants without endangering the lives of patients, and their coating with silver and calcium phosphate nanoparticles prevents the growth of bacteria. The results of the study are published in the journal Applied Surface Science (Surmeneva et al., Reduced bacterial colonization of additionally manufactured Ti6Al4V metallic scaffolds with immobilized silver and calcium phosphate nanoparticles).
According to experts, rationally designed matrices with complex porous structures have several orders of magnitude larger surface area than monolithic biomaterials. Thus, as the implant area increases, so does the area that bacteria can populate. The probability of deterioration of the patient's condition in this case increases significantly, which is confirmed by the observations of microbiologists. Bacterial biofilm may form on the implant, causing life-threatening complications. For example, sepsis.
During the study, scientists evaluated the activity of pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus cells, which reduce the effectiveness of surgical implants, on three-dimensional porous titanium alloy matrices coated with silver and calcium phosphate.
"The results showed that matrices coated with silver and calcium phosphate nanoparticles in a certain concentration prevented the growth of bacteria," said Maria Surmeneva, senior researcher at the Research Center "Physical Materials Science and Composite Materials" of the TPU Research School of Chemical and Biomedical Technologies.
The scientists noted that at the moment there are no implants made directly according to the size of the patient on the domestic medical market.
"A standard implant can cause the patient discomfort, for example, when walking. In addition, this is an additional risk on the operating table," said Maria Surmeneva.
Surmeneva explained that during the installation, the usual bone substitute must be "adjusted" to the size of the patient – to remove unnecessary elements (trim the length of the spokes, file and grind the slices). This increases the risks of metal particles entering the body and can lead to complications. Personalized implants will help reduce the likelihood of infection during surgery and shorten its duration.
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