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: Lithium silicate glass ceramics and glasses containing at least 6.1 wt.-% ZrO2 are provided which can advantageously be applied to zirconium oxide ceramics in particular by pressing-on in the viscous state and forming a solid bond with the zirconium oxide ceramics.

Abstract: A new composition and medical implant made there from comprises a thick diffusion hardened zone, and layered ceramic surface. Orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition are disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing bioactive composites having imparted thereto bioactivity, to thereby form and grow in vivo or in vitro a coating layer containing a calcium phosphate compound as the major component with a high adhesion strength on the surface of various types of porous substrates such as a porous shaped body comprising an organic polymer. The means for solving the problem is characterized by comprising at least (1) a step of immersing a porous substrate in a solution containing at least calcium ions and hydrogenphosphate ions, thereby distributing the solution to the inside of at least a part of the pores of the substrate, and (2) a step of depositing fine particles containing a calcium phosphate compound as the major component inside the pores into which the solution is introduced.

Abstract: An integrated dental porcelain system for making dental prostheses and restorations is provided. The system includes three universal major components: a) opaque porcelain composition; b) pressable dentin ingot; and c) veneering porcelain composition that can be used interchangeably for making restorations. Techniques for making the prostheses and restorations include porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM), press-to-metal (PTM), and either pressed and/or machined all-ceramic methods. The system uses both a hand-layering of veneering porcelain (PFM technique) and a hot-pressing process (PTM and all-ceramic technique) to fabricate the prostheses and restorations.

Abstract: A fluoride treated medical implant, such as a dental component, is provided, the medical implant comprising fluorinated metal oxide on the substrate surface. A method for the preparation of such treated implants is also provided, the method involving exposure of the medical implant to a fluorine-containing reagent. A dental structure is also provided, which includes a first dental component comprising a fluorinated metal oxide layer on its surface, a silane coupling agent, a dental cement, and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement. An additional dental structure, which includes a first dental component comprising a fluorinated metal oxide layer on its surface, a dental cement, and a second dental component having a surface bonded to the dental cement is also provided.

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: 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: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.

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

Abstract: A process for producing three-dimensional shaped ceramic bodies by layerwise printing of a suspension comprising the constituents required for formation of the shaped ceramic bodies by means of an inkjet printer in the desired two-dimensional shape onto a support material, drying and hardening of the layer composite formed, which is characterized in that printing is effected using a suspension comprising from 50 to 80% by weight of ceramic particles in a dispersion medium comprising an aqueous boehmite sol, at least one low molecular weight alcohol, at least one drying inhibitor and at least one organic fluidizer, and also an apparatus for carrying out this process are described.

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: A method of synthesizing hydroxyapatite nanorods, having high purity, high crystallinity and high aspect ratio is disclosed here. In one embodiment, high crystalline hydroxyapatite nanorods with relatively stoichiometric structure are prepared via hydrothermal method at 200° C. and under moderate acidic conditions. The synthesized hydroxyapatite nanorods have a diameter of 30-95 nm, a length of 850-1400 nm with an average aspect ratio of 24, degree of crystallinity of 73% and stoichiometry ratio of 1.69. Further it discloses the use of HAp in dental adhesive. The dental adhesive comprising synthesized HAp shows improved diametral tensile strength and high microshear bond strength. Energy dispersive X-ray mapping confirmed the uniform distribution of nanorods in the adhesive matrix. The synthesized hydroxyapatite nanorods have high colloidal stability in the dental adhesive solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved osteogenic devices and methods of use thereof for repair of bone and cartilage defects. The devices and methods promote accelerated formation of repair tissue with enhanced stability using less osteogenic protein than devices in the art. Defects susceptible to repair with the instant invention include, but are not limited to: critical size defects, non-critical size defects, non-union fractures, fractures, osteochondral defects, subchondral defects, and defects resulting from degenerative diseases such as osteochondritis dessicans.

Abstract: The present invention is based on that local administration of lithium ions in bone tissue has been found to improve the bone formation and bone mass upon implantation of a bone tissue implant in said bone tissue. In particular, the invention relates to a bone tissue implant having an implant surface covered by an oxide layer comprising lithium ions and a method for the manufacture thereof. A blasting powder comprising lithium ions, a method for locally increasing bone formation, and the use of lithium ions or a salt thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for locally increasing bone formation are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric substrates comprising a biocompatible coating and methods of preparation thereof. In particular, the coating may be a ceramic material, especially a calcium phosphate material, which may be functionally graded. The invention provides the ability to apply high quality coatings to polymeric substrates without damaging the substrate (e.g., melting the polymeric material). The functionally graded coating can provide crystalline calcium phosphate near the coating interface with the substrate and provide amorphous calcium phosphate at the outer surface of the coating.

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: A high-strength coating for dental and orthopedic implants utilizing hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles provides for a high level of osseointegration through a range of surface pore sizes in the micro- to nanoscale. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles may be incorporated with the HAp nanoparticles to form a composite coating material, with ZnO providing infection resistance due to its inherent antimicrobial properties. A textured surface, consisting of “islands” of roughly square coating structures measuring about 250 ?m on a side, with spacing of 50-100 ?m therebetween, may further promote the osseointegration and antimicrobial properties of the implant coating.

Abstract: Medical implants exhibiting optimized mechanical properties, and methods of making such implants, are disclosed. That is, the implants are fabricated of a porous metal substrate and include coating integrated over various areas so as to provide some added or desirable property or functionality to the implant. In one embodiment, the implant is an acetabular implant with a coating applied to an internal, concave wear surface which is sized and configured to receive a head of a femur. Typically, the coating is a ceramic incorporated onto the desired area of the implant via electrophoretic deposition.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic body having a surface roughness, said process comprising the step of depositing particles of a ceramic material on the surface of a ceramic basic body. The process is characterized in that separate agglomerates comprising at least two particles and a binder binding the particles together are deposited on the surface of the basic body by projecting the agglomerates towards the basic body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dental post according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (i) overjacketing extrusion of at least one thermoplastic material over at least one filament or yarn, such that the thermoplastic material cross-sectionally enwraps the at least one filament or yarn; (ii) solidifying the extruded product of step (i); (iii) equipping the solidified extruded product of step (ii) with a surface texture, such that the thermoplastic wrapping is not modified in a way as to expose or damage the at least one filament or yarn. The invention allows for more flexibility in the manufacturing of dental posts, especially in generating surface textures of such dental posts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous biomaterials surface activation method by coating with a layer of apatitic nanocrystals in order to increase their surface reactivity. The method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: a) preparing a nanocrystalline apatitic calcium phosphate analogous to bone mineral by mixing a calcium salt solution with a phosphate salt solution in a Ca/P ratio ranging between 1.3 and 2 at a temperature ranging between 0 and 60 ° C., b) slurrying the mixture obtained in step a) in an aqueous solution so as to obtain a fluid, homogeneous paste containing 80 to 98% of water, c) bringing a porous biomaterial into contact with the suspension obtained in step b), d) drying the porous biomaterial at a temperature below 100 ° C.

Abstract: A hydroxyapatite ceramic hybrid material, which includes a biodegradable polymer included in the pores in a hydroxyapatite ceramic structure, and a method thereof, and a calcium phosphate porous body, which is formed by an intertwining of fibrous calcium phosphates and includes a plurality of first pores formed where the fibrous calcium phosphates interconnect and plurality of equal diameter substantially spherical second pores with a larger inside diameter than the first pores, and a method thereof are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises delivering a polymer and drug to a medical implant having a porous surface and using at least one particle stream from at least one fluid jet to subsequently remove the polymer from the outer surface of the metal substrate, thereby retaining the therapeutic agent and polymer within the pores of the implant.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a medical implant component. The method may include the steps of producing a substrate from a first material wherein the substrate has a bearing portion, spraying particles of a second material onto the bearing portion in accordance with a predetermined spraying technique to provide a coating thereon, and subjecting the coated bearing portion to a hot isostatic pressing process, a vacuum sintering process, or a controlled atmospheric sintering process. The first material may be the same as or different from the second material. The predetermined spraying technique may be a thermal type spraying process such as a plasma spraying process or a high velocity oxygen fuel spraying process.

Abstract: This invention provides organic/inorganic composite biomaterials constituted by composites of hydroxyapatite and collagen and having an average fiber length of 60 ?m or longer, and a process for producing the same in which the calcium ion and phosphate ion concentrations in the reaction vessel are optimized through regulation of the concentration of a starting material and the flow rate. The organic/inorganic composite biomaterials have mechanical strength and a biodegradation rate suitable for artificial bones through the introduction of crosslinking therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for coating a surface of a titanium implant with low crystalline hydroxyapatite having network- or island-like morphology and to an implant coated by such method.

Abstract: A process for forming a ceramic layer comprising a compound of a metal on a deposition surface of a workpiece comprises providing a reactive gas, selecting the amounts of a vapor of the metal and ions of the metal relative to each other, generating the metal vapor, and projecting an ion beam of the metal ions. The metal vapor, the metal ions, and the reactive gas form the ceramic layer with a desired structure. The process may include the step of controlling a deposition surface temperature. In one embodiment, the metal vapor comprises zirconium vapor and the ion beam comprises zirconium ions. The relative amounts of the zirconium vapor and the zirconium ions are selected to form a zirconia ceramic layer on the deposition surface. The zirconia may have multiple crystal phases that are formed according to a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of biomedical material, and is particularly related to a method of preparing bioactive glass coatings by liquid precursor thermal spray. The objective of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the air plasma spraying where the powder feedstock preparation is complicated and time-consuming, and sol-gel or other wet chemistry method where the synthesized coating generally has thin coating thickness and with low production efficiency. Therefore, a new method is provided for preparation of bioactive glass coatings. In this method, organic and inorganic raw materials were first weighed in accordance with the chemical composition of bioactive glasses, and sol or suspension was prepared; then the sol or suspension was used as the feedstock for thermal spray, and was deposited on the biomedical materials substrate, at high temperature to form the bioactive glass coating.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to coating deposition and coatings for dental and orthopedic devices that provide prevention or reduction of ion leakage and, in some situations, improved aesthetic appearances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dense-coverage, adherent phosphorous-based coating on the native oxide surface of a material. Disclosed phosphorous-based coatings include phosphate and organo-phosphonate coatings. The present invention also provides further derivatization of the phosphorous-based coatings to yield dense surface coverage of chemically reactive coatings and osteoblast adhesion-promoting and proliferation-promoting coatings on the native oxide surface of a titanium material.

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: A method of applying a dental composition to tooth surfaces is provided. The dental composition, comprising polymerizable resin and fluorescing compound, is applied to a tooth surface and cured so that it hardens. The composition is preferably used as a dental sealant that provides a hard, glossy surface finish over a tooth. Upon irradiating the sealant with ultraviolet light, the sealant exhibits a bright fluorescent glow. The sealant reverts immediately to its natural color when it is no longer exposed to the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nano-structured hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA] coating layer with improved biocompatibility is provided. The preparation method includes: (S1) putting hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA] powder in a powder chamber, placing a metal substrate in a deposition chamber, and keeping the chamber in vacuum state by using a vacuum pump; (S2) injecting carrier gas into the powder chamber and mixing with hydroxyapatite powder; (S3) spraying the mixture of the powder and the carrier gas onto the surface of metal substrate in the deposition chamber through a nozzle and depositing hydroxyapatite coating layer on the metal substrate; (S4) hydrothermal-treating the deposited hydroxyapatite coating layer; and (S5) rinsing the hydrothermal-treated hydroxyapatite coating layer and drying the layer. Additionally, a thermal-treated, nano-structured hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HA] coating layer with improved biocompatibility fabricated by the above preparation method is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the preparation of protein mediated calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating on metal substrates particularly on stainless steel (316 L) by biomimetic route, capable of rapid and effective osteointegration with the host tissue following controlled interfacial reactions. For the purpose, calcium deficient, carbonated hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating was developed on metal substrates particularly on stainless steel (316L) alloy through biomimetic route after a surface treatment step using aqueous solution (4-10 wt %) of BSA at room temperature. The coating was characterized with respect to phase composition, crystallinity, morphology and thickness. The protein mediated calcium phosphate ceramic coating is porous (pore dia—100-200 ?m) having uniform pore distribution and coverage. There is multifold enhancement in thickness and crystallinity (data provided) of the as-prepared coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical lens shaped into the form of a shroud and having a light-permeable front side (11) and a side wall (12) adjacent thereto, wherein the side wall (12) and the front side (11) constitute different components of the optical lens (1) that are bound together through injection molding.

Abstract: A method for the plasma electrolytic oxidation of a bioactive coating onto implant (4) is provided. The implant is placed in an electrolyte solution (3) providing Ca and P ions and then connected to a power supply (1). A counter electrode is also provided in the electrolyte solution. A sequence of voltage pulses having alternating polarity are then applied across the implant and counter electrode to deposit a bioactive coating onto the implant. A intra-bone implant formed by the method is also provided having a coating with a thickness of 10 to 30 microns, a porosity comprised by pores with sizes of 0.5 to 10 microns, and comprising 10 to 30 wt % of hydroxyapatites.

Abstract: A ceramic coating with gradient density/porosity and/or incorporated biologically active agents can be fabricated on the surface of substrates, including the surface of implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to open-pore biocompatible surface layers for implants, which layers are arranged over virgin surfaces of the implants, wherein pores of the open-pore surface layers are connected to form coherent pore networks and the surface layers have a specific internal surface area of ?0.06 ?m/?m2, preferably ?0.035 ?m/?m2 and especially ?0.025 ?m/?m2, measured by image analysis as a 2D-boundary line per unit of surface area in a metallographic microsection at 100× magnification. The invention further relates to methods of producing such surface layers, to implants coated therewith and to possible uses of the surface layers.

Abstract: A ceramic powder of non-agglomerated non-aggregated phase-pure hydroxyapatite having a controllable morphology. Also presented is a film of phasepure crystalline hydroxyapatite grains having a controllable morphology. Methods for preparing the same are also provided.

Abstract: Modified porous materials are disclosed having interconnected, complexly shaped three-dimensional surfaces. The modification is accomplished by crosslinking the three-dimensional surfaces or by incorporating, in situ, an inorganic material onto or into three-dimensional surfaces. The porous materials are macro structures including at least one of nano-features, micro-features, and combinations thereof. The modifying accomplishes changing surface properties of the porous materials, changing the three-dimensional surfaces, and/or rendering the porous materials substantially stable in a predetermined environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a crosslinked, silicon-containing layer containing, substantially consisting of or consisting of silicon, O, C, H, optionally N which can be produced by plasma polymerization and/or crosslinking of organosilicon liquids by a plasma process and/or UV radiation of a wavelength of less than 250 nm, without using metals of an atomic number of more than 14, as a biocompatible surface, for imparting to a surface or providing a surface with a non-genotoxic effect. The invention also relates to correspondingly coated articles and to processes for the production thereof.

Abstract: An apatite-containing film having photocatalytic activity is produced by a process comprising the steps of preparing a liquid mixture comprising a Ca-containing compound and a P-containing compound, subjecting the liquid mixture to reaction to prepare an apatite-precursor composition, applying the apatite-precursor composition to a substrate, and drying the applied apatite-precursor composition. The process may further comprise a heating step after the drying step. The apatite-precursor composition is preferably in the form of a sol.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methodologies and compositions for coating materials, which can be used in a variety of dental applications.

Abstract: An implantable device composed of a biocompatible material having an enhanced surface topography that has an implanted calcium ion concentration and method of making the same.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system especially useful in damage resistant, ceramic dental and orthopedic prosthesis. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure comprises an outer (aesthetic) residual glass layer, a graded glass-ceramic layer, and a dense interior ceramic. The functionally graded glass/substrate/glass composite structure may further comprise a veneer on an exterior surface. The present invention also provides a method for preparing a functionally graded glass/ceramic/glass sandwich system. A powdered glass-ceramic composition or a glass tape is applied to the accessible surfaces of a dense alumina substrate to thereby substantially cover the substrate surfaces. The glass of the composition has a CTE similar to that of the substrate material. The glass-ceramic composition is infiltrated into the dense substrate by heating the assembly to temperatures 50-700° C. below the sintering temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for coating a shape-memory prosthesis. The method includes providing a prosthesis with an expandable portion. The expandable portion comprises a shape-memory material having a contracted phase and an expanded phase. A temperature increase past a phase transition temperature causes a change from the contracted phase to the expanded phase. The method also includes applying a coating to at least a portion of the shape-memory material using a thermal deposition application and simultaneously cooling the shape-memory material and the coating with a cryogenic vapor to prevent at least a portion of the shape-memory material from transitioning to the expanded phase.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate including loading a calcium phosphate substance at a first crystallinity with a therapeutic agent; depositing the loaded calcium phosphate substance at the first crystallinity onto a least a portion of the substance; loading a calcium phosphate substance at a second, lower, crystallinity with a therapeutic agent; and depositing the loaded calcium phosphate substance at the second crystallinity onto the deposited loaded calcium phosphate substance at the first crystallinity to control and sustain a long-term osseointegration response and to control the release rate of the therapeutic substance from the calcium phosphate substance.

Abstract: A material can be molded into part made of a biocompatible binder containing one or several compounds for adding calcium and phosphorus It has been subjected to a surface pickling operation intended to ensure surface application and hence surface access of the elements added to the binder, in particular calcium and phosphorus. This material may advantageously be used for the realization of endo-bone implants or bone prostheses.