Abstract: Methods for forming bone implants for the repair of the ends of bones at orthopedic joints, which implants have a Young's modulus close to that of human cortical bone. Substrates of dense isotropic graphite are coated overall with hard, microporous, isotropic pyrocarbon of specific character such that it can be polished to serve as an articular surface and can also securely receive an anchoring first metal layer through PVD. The first layer has a character such that, by thermal spraying a second biocompatible metal layer thereupon, fusion occurs and thereby anchors an outermost layer that is formed with a network of randomly interconnected pores and a surface character of peaks and valleys designed to promote enhanced appositional growth of cortical bone at the interface therewith.

Abstract: The present invention can suitably be used even in a site where hydrogen gas is metabolized slowly, such as the osseous tissue. Provided is a biodegradable implant including a biodegradable magnesium member formed of a magnesium alloy and coating layers that coat the biodegradable magnesium member, thereby reducing the degradation rate thereof in a living organism, wherein a depression to be infiltrated by an osteoblast is formed in a surface of the biodegradable magnesium member.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial characteristics of biomedical implants and related implants manufactured according to such methods. In some implementations, a biomedical implant comprising a silicon nitride ceramic material may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment so as to increase a surface roughness of at least a portion of the biomedical implant to a roughness profile having an arithmetic average of at least about 500 nm Ra. In some implementations, a coating may be applied to a biomedical implant. Such a coating may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material, and may be applied instead of, or in addition to, the surface roughening treatment process.

Abstract: A method of preparing a preformed bone shape for implantation provides irradiating at least a portion of a preformed bone shape by a Neutral Beam derived from a GCIB, and the preformed bone shape so irradiated.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Bone graft materials include a bone-grafting material, which encourages regeneration of a missing bone tissue while being absorbed by the missing bone tissue, and a coating material, which is composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium hydroxyapatite, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An implant (10) for implantation in a human or animal bone (11) has a bone area (12), which is in contact with the bone (11), and a light area, which is not covered by the bone (11). It likewise has a photo-activatable substance (14), which is activated when illuminated with light (2) and thereafter destroys microbes and bacteria. The implant (10) is made of a material which is transparent at, at least, one activation wavelength of the photo-activatable substance (14), wherein the photo-activatable substance (14) is applied at least to the surface of the bone area (12) of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bone graft and methods for producing said graft. Said bone graft can be used for surgical, plastic and/or cosmetic bone replacement for a patient in need thereof. The bone graft is made of a scaffold or matrix of sheet material having a 3-dimensional pattern of a continuous network of voids and/or indentations for enhancing new bone growth.

Abstract: Multifunctional prostheses which include a prosthesis body having at least one interface wall suitable for interfacing with at least one bone tissue, and which also include a substrate are provided. Advantageously, a first covering comprising first functional groups suitable to form chemical bonds, is applied to said substrate. On the side of the first covering the substrate may include protuberances and/or recesses suitable for promoting the attachment of said first functional groups. A second covering comprising nanostructures may be applied to the first covering, on the side opposite the substrate, and an interface covering comprising molecules may be applied to the second covering on the side opposite the first covering. Second functional groups suitable to form chemical bonds, so as to strengthen the bonds between the second covering and the interface covering may be inserted between the interface covering and the second covering. Methods of making such prostheses are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides biomatrix compositions comprising cross-linked lactoferrin, either alone or in combination with other organic or inorganic components. Also provided are methods of making and using the biomatrix compositions. As described herein, cross-linked lactoferrin biomatrix retains the bioactivities of the lactoferrin molecule. The biomatrix composition can act as a matrix for cell adhesion and growth and is particularly useful in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. The biomatrix compositions can be pre-formed or injectable and can act as a cell, drug or protein delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a coating of a composite material that includes a polymeric material having a void structure and particulate ceragenin material (i.e., ceragenin particles) associated with the void structure. The average particle size of the ceragenin particles in the composite is in a range from 5 nm to 20 ?m, 50 nm to 10 ?m, 100 nm to 5 ?m, or 1 ?m to 10 ?m. The composite has a high loading of ceragenin particles (e.g., about 10% to about 25%, by weight). The composite has good polymer stability, the ability to release ceragenins from the ceragenin particles disposed in the composite over a sustained period of time at a characteristic elution rate, and the ability to kill large numbers of bacteria and other susceptible microbes over the sustained period of time.

Abstract: A method for coating an object (1). The object (1) is positioned in contact with holding means and the coating (4) is applied in such a way that contact parts (3, 8, 10) of the holding means form part of the coating (4). Contact parts (3, 8, 10) are made from a material having corrosion properties being substantially identical to the corrosion properties of the coating material, preferably from the same material. Thereby the contact parts (3) can form a natural part of the resulting coating (4). The contact parts (3, 8, 10) may subsequently be detached from the holding means and remain attached to the object (1) as part of the coating (4). Provides a substantially full coating (4) to the object (1) in one coating step. Avoids or reduces problems relating to pinholes in coatings. Further an object (1) having a coating (4) which has been provided using the method.

Abstract: Pro-fibrotic coatings for medical articles are described that include a pro-fibrotic polymer such as collagen. The pro-fibrotic coatings can also include a thromboresistant polymer. The coatings can be formed by activation of photoreactive groups pendent or independent of the coating materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are antifouling compositions that can include a biopolymeric matrix which is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions may include a biopolymer matrix having positively charged functional groups, negatively charged functional groups, zwitterionic functional groups, or a combination thereof, such that the composition is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions can be used as additives and as compositions further containing a base material such as paint or lacquer. Methods of making and using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels endowed with antibacterial properties, to be used for injection in damaged bones or in the production of antibacterial coatings of prostheses for implant in the human or animal body, obtained by loading with antibacterial agents hydrogels formed by derivatives of hyaluronic acid; the invention also relates to a kit of parts for producing the antibacterial hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention involves tissue engineering constructs made from a new composite bone graft material made from biocompatible poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and bioceramic particles exposed on its surface using a gas foaming particle leaching (GF/PL) method and infused with collagen. Methods and apparatus for of forming scaffolds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A matrix band for use in dentistry has a silicone-based, polymer coating applied to an etched stainless steel surface, which reduces or eliminates capillary action between a tooth and the matrix band, while at least one aperture in the matrix band assists with removal of the matrix band from the tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the coating of a surface of a ceramic basic body with a titanium compound, comprising the steps of (i) providing a preformed ceramic material; (ii) at least one step of surface activation of said ceramic material using a plasma for plasma-chemical surface preparation wherein the plasma comprises high-energy ions; (iii) at least one step of applying a titanium compound bonding layer to said ceramic material by plasma-supported coating wherein the plasma-supported coating is performed in pulsed and/or non-pulsed fashion; (iv) at least one step of applying a functional titanium compound layer by pulsed plasma-supported coating. The invention also relates to novel compositions as well as uses of the novel compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for surface treatment of a fluid-contacting device where a continuous organo-silicon or organo-silicon and oxygen plasma coating is applied at a low temperature by a plasma deposition technique to at least one contacting surface of the device and devices with the process applied. The plasma coating inhibits bacterial attachment to the device and prevents biofilm formation on said device. The coating preferably has a thickness from about 1 nm to about 100 nm, more preferably from about 20 nm to about 30 nm. The trimethylsilane and oxygen gas mixture is an approximate ratio of 1 to 4. The invention demonstrates that bacterial cells on the organo-silicon or organo-silicon/O2 coated surface are more susceptible to antibiotic treatment than their counterparts in biofilm formed on uncoated surface.

Abstract: The invention relates in general level to a method for coating articulating surfaces of medical products. The invention also relates to coated medical products manufactured by the method. The coating is carried out by employing ultra short pulsed laser deposition wherein pulsed laser beam is preferably scanned with a rotating optical scanner including at least one mirror for reflecting the laser beam. The invention has several both industrially and qualitatively advantageous effects such as high coating production rate, excellent coating properties and overall low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Provided are methods of improving the wear resistance and aesthetic properties of dental articles though use of spherical microparticles, as well as dental articles having an abrasion resistant spherical microparticle/polymer coating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an osseous implant for osteogenesis promotion and maintenance, the implant having an exposed surface, and the improvement comprising an electrical circuit attached to the osseous implant. At least a portion of the electrical circuit comprises a trace of conductive particles deposited on the exposed surface of the osseous implant. The present invention also relates to a method of promoting and maintaining osteogenesis by implanting the osseous implant into a subject. Current is passed through the electrical circuit under conditions effective to promote and maintain osteogenesis in the subject. Also disclosed is a method of making an osseous implant for osteogenesis promotion and maintenance.

Abstract: A bone repair material being superior in apatite-forming ability and its stability in a storage and high in scratch resistance is disclosed. The material is produced by a method comprising the steps of: immersing a substrate made of titanium or a titanium alloy in a first aqueous solution that does not contain calcium ions but contains at least one cation selected from the group consisting of sodium ions and potassium ions and is alkaline; immersing the substrate in a second aqueous solution that does not contain phosphate ions but contains calcium ions; heating the substrate in a dry atmosphere; and treating the substrate with hot water of 60° C. or higher or with steam.

Abstract: A process for treating a metallic implant consisting essentially of treating the metallic implant with a solution of hydrofluoric acid, which solution has a pH between 1.6 and 3.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone implant which comprises a magnesium-containing metallic material having a reduced corrosion rate and inorganic bone cement, and to methods and a kit for producing the bone implant. With a method according to the invention, it is possible to obtain a bone implant which comprises inorganic bone cement and a magnesium-containing metallic material with a corrosion-inhibiting coating which contains magnesium-ammonium phosphates. In the method according to the invention, a magnesium-containing metallic material, of which the surface has a magnesium oxide layer and/or a magnesium salt layer, is combined with inorganic bone cement in order to generate a solid composite material that comprises the inorganic bone cement and the magnesium-containing metallic material.

Abstract: A method for producing an artificial bone capable of accurate molding at a joined part with appropriate strength, in which electromagnetic waves or electron beams are irradiated to a layer of at least type of powder selected from metal biomaterials, ceramics for the artificial bone and plastic resins for the artificial bone based on image data corresponding to a shape of the artificial bone, thereby effecting sintering or melting, and the thus sintered layer or melted and solidified layer is laminated, such that a surface finish step is adopted that inner faces and/or outer faces of both ends and their vicinities configuring the joined part to a human bone part are polished by a rotating tool based on the image data and also irradiation of electromagnetic waves or electron beams at both ends and their vicinities constituting the joined part is set greater than that at other regions.

Abstract: Implants for promoting bone growth and methods of using same, the implants including a perforated placental membrane sheet wrapped around an osteoconductive material composed of bone chips, bone granules, bone powders or combinations thereof, the osteoconductive material being configured for providing a scaffold upon which bone growth can occur. The placental membrane sheet acts to maintain the osteoconductive material in a cohesive, organized configuration within a site of a patient where bone growth is to be induced. The perforations in the placental membrane sheet create passageways in the exterior of the implant through which the osteoconductive material can communicate with adjacent bone surfaces which are to be fused.

Abstract: A bone implantable medical device made from a biocompatible material, preferably comprising titanic or zirconia, has at least a portion of its surface modified to facilitate improved integration with bone. The implantable device may incorporate a surface infused with osteoinductive agent and/or may incorporate holes loaded with a therapeutic agent. The infused surface and/or the holes may be patterned to determine the distribution of and amount of osteoinductive agent and/or therapeutic agent incorporated. The rate of release or elution profile of the therapeutic agent may be controlled. Methods for producing such a bone implantable medical device are also disclosed and employ the use of ion beam irradiation, preferably gas cluster ion beam irradiation for improving bone integration.

Abstract: A method of modifying a surface of implantable medical device provides coating at least a first portion of the surface of the medical device with a therapeutic agent to form a coated surface region; and irradiating at least a portion of the coated surface region with a gas cluster ion beam infusing the therapeutic agent into the at least a portion of the coated surface region.

Abstract: A high-purity porous metal coating is formed over a substrate by thermal spraying a metal coating material over the desired portion of the substrate in an atmospheric air environment. The metal coating material may react with the atmosphere to cause impurities in the applied coating. The impurity-rich portion of the applied coating is subsequently removed to form the high-purity porous metal coating. Process steps are included that cause the impurity-rich portion of the applied coating to be a surface portion that is removable to arrive at the high-purity coating. A protective shroud may be used to limit the amount of impurity imparted to the applied coating and/or a getter material may be employed to continually bring impurities toward the surface of the coated substrate during coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bone graft and methods for producing said graft. Said bone graft can be used for surgical, plastic and/or cosmetic bone replacement for a patient in need thereof. The bone graft is made of a scaffold or matrix of sheet material having a 3-dimensional pattern of a continuous network of voids and/or indentations for enhancing new bone growth.

Abstract: Porous ceramic materials, including dental prostheses, may be infiltrated by a solution comprising resin monomers and a solvent for lowering viscosity of the solution. Infiltration may be achieved by providing the ceramic and the solution in a low pressure environment, followed by a polymerizing process whereby the resin is cross-linked within the pores of the ceramic. The solvent may be removed, for example, to leave substantially only the polymerized resin within the ceramic.

Abstract: A medical implant for cartilage repair at an articulating surface of a joint includes a contoured, substantially plate shaped, implant body and at least one extending post. The implant body has an articulate surface configured to face the articulating part of the joint and a bone contact surface configured to face the bone structure of a joint, where the articulate and bone contact surfaces face mutually opposite directions and the bone contact surface is provided with the extending post. A cartilage contact surface connects the articulate and the bone contact surfaces and is configured to contact the cartilage surrounding the implant body in a joint. The cartilage contact surface has a coating that substantially only includes a bioactive material.

Abstract: An implant material includes: a base material 10; and a carbonaceous film 20 provided on a surface of the base material 10. The carbonaceous film 20 includes carbon atoms, oxygen atoms, and nitrogen atoms in a surface thereof, and the carbon atoms are bonded to the oxygen atoms to form carboxyl carbon and carbon having a single bond with oxygen. In the surface of the carbonaceous film 20, a content of nitrogen atoms is greater than or equal to 8.0 at. %, a content of carbon having a single bond with oxygen is greater than or equal to 5.4%, and a content of carboxyl carbon is less than or equal to 3.1%.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein employ various modes of material deposition and material removal to build a complex, three-dimensional structure upon a rotating base. The systems and methods may be usefully employed to fabricate geometrically and aesthetically accurate dental articles from digital models.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable flexible bone composites, and method for preparing the same. The flexible bone composite includes at least one polymeric layer and at least one calcium-containing layer. The polymeric layer can be a polymeric layer including a synthetic polymer. The calcium-containing layer can include a calcium compound such as ?-Ca3(PO4)2. The flexible bone composites of the invention are useful as bone void fillers and have improved handling characteristics.

Abstract: Novel antimicrobial compositions and coatings are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions consist of mixtures of taurolidine and protamine, including protamine salts. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in coatings for implantable medical devices. The antimicrobial compositions are effective against a broad spectrum of microbes.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for improving the performance of articulating prostheses. Some embodiments may comprise a first component comprising a first articulating surface and a second component comprising a second articulating surface configured for articulating with the first articulating surface. One or both of the first and second components may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material. One or both of the first and second articulating surfaces may comprise a coating that is configured to accomplish at least one of increasing the hardness of the first articulating interface surface, reducing the coefficient of friction between the first and second articulating surfaces, decreasing the effects of wearing between the first and second articulating surfaces, and decreasing the intensity of audible noises produced by the endoprosthesis resulting from articulation between the first and second articulating surfaces during use.

Abstract: A coating for a CoCrMo substrate including a first layer located directly on the substrate and including Ta(CoCrMo)0.5-2.0, a second layer located directly on the first layer and including tantalum, a third layer located directly on the second layer and including tantalum carbide, and a fourth layer located directly on the third layer and including diamond-like carbon (DLC).

Abstract: Biocompatible polymeric coating compositions having nanoscale surface roughness and methods of forming such coatings are described. A polymeric biocompatible coating may be produced using a powder coating method, where one or more thermosetting polymer resins and one or more biocompatible materials are mixed and extruded, ground into microscale particles, and mixed with nanoparticles to form a dry powder mixture that may be coated onto a substrate according to a powder coating method. Alternatively, the thermosetting polymeric resin can be first extruded and ground into microscale particles, and then mixed with the biocompatible materials in particular form of nanoscale to microscale in size, and then further mixed with nanoparticles to form a dry powder mixture for coating. Bioactive materials may also be selectively added into the polymeric coating in a similar way as the biocompatible materials, either before or after the extrusion, to form a bioactive polymeric coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for processing a green body comprising a powder mixture in which a metal powder and a space filler assume respective positions, comprising applying a material that comprises aspherical metallic particles to at least one surface of the green body, thereby forming a coating on the green body. The present invention also provides implants that are produced in accordance with such method.

Abstract: A new polymeric material for biological tissue regeneration or treatment with a drug delivery system which contains therapeutic agents and/or bioactive molecules to reduce infection and inflammatory reaction at a wound site and maximize tissue regeneration and wound healing is provided. The new bioactive molecule-loaded polymeric material is prepared by (1) preparing micrometer or nanometer sized bioactive molecule-loaded particles; (2) modifying the surface of the prepared particles and immobilizing the particles on the surface of the polymeric material; and (3) physically treating the surface of the polymeric material to improve binding strength of the particles immobilized thereon.

Abstract: A method of increasing the hydrophilicity of an implant to be implanted into living bone. The method comprises the act of depositing non-toxic salt residuals on the surface of the implant by exposing the surface to a solution including the non-toxic salts. The method further comprises the act of drying the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated medical implant wherein the coating comprises an amorphous Me oxide layer or an (Al, Me) oxide layer deposited by physical vapor deposition, and wherein Me can be one or more of the elements of Ti, Si, Cr, Hf, Zr, Ta or Nb. The PVD layer does not have any bioactive/osseointegrating properties at temperatures below 45° C. This makes it easy to remove the implant after it has being inserted in an animal or human body, e.g. when used for fixating fractures. The coating may further comprise a calcium phosphate layer, preferably a hydroxyapatite layer, which is grown on the PVD layer using a biomimetic process. The coating may be loaded with a releasable agent such as a pharmaceutical agent, an ion or a bio molecule. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the coated medical implant.

Abstract: An implant is provided with a main body (1) and with a double coating applied to at least one surface section of the main body (1), wherein the double coating comprises an adhesion promoter layer (2), applied directly to the at least one surface section of the main body, and of an osteointegrative layer (3) covering the adhesion promoter layer (2). The layers (2;3) consist of pure titanium, wherein the adhesion promoter layer (2) has a thickness of 2-6 ?m, in particular a thickness of 3-5 ?m, and the osteointegrative layer (3) has a thickness of 50-70 ?m, in particular of 55-65 ?m. Moreover, the osteointegrative layer (3) has a porosity of 70-90% and a roughness Rzof at least 45 ?m. A related method is also provided for producing such an implant.

Abstract: Osteoinductive compositions and implants having increased biological activities, and methods for their production, are provided. The biological activities that may be increased include, but are not limited to, bone forming; bone healing; osteoinductive activity, osteogenic activity, chondrogenic activity, wound healing activity, neurogenic activity, contraction-inducing activity, mitosis-inducing activity, differentiation-inducing activity, chemotactic activity, angiogenic or vasculogenic activity, and exocytosis or endocytosis-inducing activity. In one embodiment, a method for producing an osteoinductive composition comprises providing partially demineralized bone, treating the partially demineralized bone to disrupt the collagen structure of the bone, and optionally providing a tissue-derived extract and adding the tissue-derived extract to the partially demineralized bone.

Abstract: An implant to be used as medical or dental implant, comprising a metallic or polymeric base which is covered by the vitamin D precursor cholecalciferol. The implant can be obtained by direct covering of the polymeric or metallic base with a solution comprising cholecalciferol or also covering the base with the 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), and subsequently irradiated with UV light to induce the formation of cholecalciferol. Optionally, the coating of the implant may include an antioxidant such as vitamin E. This implant enhances osseointegration in compromised patients by means of the endogenous synthesis and activity of vitamin D in hard and mineralized tissue regeneration. Furthermore, a method to obtain these implants which comprises coating the surface of the implant directly with cholecalciferol or with a specific concentration of 7-DHC and irradiated with UV light to induce the formation of cholecalciferol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of therapeutic compositions including drug-containing nanoparticles for coating a body implant to provide for drug delivery in a locally applied and extended release manner and their methods of use to treat physiological conditions.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a regenerated silk fibroin solution comprises the steps of: treating silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C.; and subsequently degumming the treated silk or silk cocoons; or alternatively, degumming silk or silk cocoons; and subsequently treating the degummed silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C. The invention also extends to fibroin solution, a fibroin material and an implant useful for cartilage repair.