Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods directed toward the synthesis of ordered structures of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite derivatives. More specifically, disclosed herein is a method of preparing ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures including the steps of suspending calcium and phosphate in a solvent, adjusting the pH to above 5, and heating to a temperature sufficient to support formation of the ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures. In some cases, the methods may include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid derivatives. Also disclosed are methods that additionally involve a step of coating hydroxyapatite nanorods with a protein or an amphiphile such as a surfactant or polymer.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices are provided. In one embodiment, a device includes a body having an external surface defining an outer profile of the device. The body includes a porous matrix including a series of interconnected macropores defined by a plurality of interconnected struts each including a hollow interior. A filler material substantially fills at least a portion of the series of interconnected macropores. The external surface of the body includes a plurality of openings communicating with the hollow interior of at least a portion of the plurality of interconnected struts. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the external surface includes exposed areas of the filler material and porous matrix in addition to the exposed openings. In another aspect, the porous matrix is formed from a bioresorbable ceramic and the filler material is a biologically stable polymeric material. Still, other aspects related to this and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and composition of a depot implant for optimal delivery of growth factors to treat osteoporotic bone, in that such depot implant is constructed to be in a cylinder (rod) or sphere shape and have a natural or synthetic polymer scaffold with or without impregnated calcium phosphate particles. The density of the depot is higher than a typical BMP sponge carrier to facilitate it's implantation and slower release of the growth factor. The scaffold is such that it has adequate porosity and pore size to facilitate growth factor seeding and diffusion throughout the whole of the bone structure resulting in increased bone mineral density in the osteoporotic bone. In addition, the shape of the depot implant allows for delivery through a cannula or large bore needle.

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 monolithic material including a first region having a first variability of strength and a second region joined to the first region, the second region having a second variability of strength, wherein the monolithic material has a variability of strength less than the first variability of strength of the first region and less than the second variability of strength of the second region.

Abstract: Implants with a calcium phosphate containing layer are disclosed. The implants, which can have a metallic character (e.g., made from a cobalt chromium alloy), can include a surface that is exposed to one or more formulations that results in a chemical and/or physical modification. In some instances, the modified surface is texturized so as to include a plurality of surface pits. The average pit size opening can range, for example, from 40 nm to about 10 ?m, and can include a plurality of average pit sizes in some cases. The modified surfaces can promote growth of a calcium phosphate layer, which can be accelerated relative to conventional techniques. Other variations of such implant surfaces, and methods of producing similar implant surfaces, are also discussed.

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 titanium oxide-organic polymer composite material for artificial bone obtained by forming titania gel on the surface of said base material by titania solution treatment to dip into a solution of 0° C. to 50° C. temperature for from several seconds to 1 week obtained by adding a solution consisting of acidic alcohol and water into alcohol solution of titaniumtetraalcoxide to a base material composed of a polymer compound selected from a group consisting of polyolefin, polyester and nylon, and modifying to a titanium oxide membrane which forms apatite having similar Ca/P atom ratio to an apatite of mammalian's bone in supersaturated aqueous solution to apatite or from a body fluid of mammalian by dipping said base material on the surface of which titania gel is formed into hot water of. 50° C. to 95° C. or solution of room temperature to 95° C. to which acid is added.

Abstract: A product controlling dissolving rate of biomedical orthopedic implant material and a process of manufacturing the same are disclosed. At constant temperature and humidity and under vacuum, treatment solution is forced to diffuse to the material to form a second phase as a means of controlling the dissolving rate. Different treatment solution can form the phases having different structures from that of matrix. The inventive product has a structure of laminate concentric circle. The second phase and the structure of laminate concentric circle are used as ways for medicine release.

Abstract: A method for producing a zirconia-layered orthopedic implant component includes depositing zirconium onto the orthopedic implant component, thereby forming a zirconium-layered component, and converting at least a portion of the zirconium into a substantially monoclinic zirconia surface layer unaccompanied by a substantial underlying ?-phase. A method for producing a zirconia-layered orthopedic implant component includes depositing zirconium onto the orthopedic implant component by ion bombardment and deposition in a vacuum to form a zirconium-layered component including an intermix zone at least 1000 ? thick and a zirconium layer about 3-5 ?m thick, and heat treating the zirconium-layered component at a temperature of about 500-600° C. in an atmosphere containing oxygen.

Abstract: An adherent bioactive calcium phosphate coating is formed on a titanium or titanium alloy substrate by immersing the substrate in an acidic calcium phosphate solution to form a non-apatitic calcium phosphate coating on the substrate. In a second step the coated substrate can be converted to a less reactive coating by being immersed into a basic or neutral solution to convert the coating into an apatite. However if a relatively reactive coating is desired, the second step can be dispensed with.

Abstract: Provided is a method for production of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite particles, and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite particles produced according to the method. The nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite particles exhibit substantially superior cell transformation abilities as compared to known and commercially-available calcium phosphate kits. The nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite particles also find use in tissue engineering applications, for example bone and tooth engineering and repair applications.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a medical implant component. The method may comprise producing a substrate from a first material in which the substrate has a bearing portion, and spraying particles of a second material by use of a thermal type spraying process onto at least the bearing portion of the substrate. The second material may be formed from a biocompatible material and a carbide source, in which the carbide source is 6.17% or more of the second material by weight. The biocompatible material may be cobalt chrome and the carbide source may be graphite. The thermal type spraying process may be a plasma spraying process or a high velocity oxygen fuel spraying process.

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 roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A process for coating a surface of a metal-containing substrate with a bioceramic material includes activating the surface of the metal-containing substrate by applying a voltage to the substrate in a liquid containing an electrolyte; and, immersing the substrate in a deposition solution containing the bioceramic material or precursors for the bioceramic material. The coated substrate may be heat treated to enhance coating bond strength. The bioceramic material may be hydroxyapatite. Coated substrates are useful for the fabrication of prostheses.

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: The present invention concerns a process for the production of implants with an ultrahydrophilic surface as well as the implants produced in that way and also processes for the production of loaded, so-called bioactive implant surfaces of metallic or ceramic materials, which are used for implants such as artificial bones, joints, dental implants or also very small implants, for example what are referred to as stents, as well as implants which are further produced in accordance with the processes and which as so-called “delivery devices” allow controlled liberation, for example by way of dissociation, of the bioactive molecules from the implant materials.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic article useful as a bone substitute and having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having open, interconnecting openings extending throughout the volume and opening through the surface, includes, providing an organic open-pore structure, coating surface of pores of the structure with a ceramic slip, pyrolyzing the organic structure to leave a ceramic structure having struts defining a plurality of interconnecting interstices, and providing within the interstices a porous osteoconductive composition exposed to the interconnecting openings. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic slip includes a strong, supportive ceramic material and a separate osteoconductive material.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous body comprising apatite/collagen composite fibers comprising the steps of gelling a dispersion comprising long apatite/collagen composite fibers having an average length of 10-75 mm, short apatite/collagen composite fibers having an average length of 0.05-1 mm, and a liquid; freezing and drying the resultant gel to form a porous body; and cross-linking collagen in the porous body.

Abstract: A method for forming an acetabular shell includes providing a working surface such as a mandrel, and spraying the working surface with a first layer of material having a first composition such as aluminum oxide. After a suitable thickness is generated, the spray composition is gradually changed to other compositions having desired particle sizes and distribution. In one example, the composition is changed to a mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide and/or titanium. As thickness builds up, the relative amount of aluminum oxide is decreased such that the composition is all titanium and titanium oxide. After a desired thickness is generated, the acetabular shell is extracted off the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an implant with improved surface properties and an implant fabricated using the same are provided. The method includes immersing a substrate that has titanium or titanium alloy in electrolytic solution including at least one of the group consisting of phosphate or fluoride ion and strontium ion, and forming an oxide film layer with a surface structure having a fine roughness of a micro scale by making at least one of phosphate or fluoride ion and strontium ion react to the titanium or the titanium alloy of the substrate on a surface of the immersed substrate using hydrothermal reaction associated with temperature, pressure and time conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for forming an inorganic coating on a protein template. The method comprises contacting the template with an anionic polymer interface followed by an inorganic material for a sufficient period of time to allow mineralization of the inorganic material thus forming an inorganic coating on the template. Preferably, the coating is aligned.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems that control the application of a material onto micro-rough implant surfaces. Thus, the present invention provides method of applying crystalline nanoparticles onto the surface of an implant to produce an implant with a crystalline nanoparticle layer on its surface, the method comprising: providing an implant substrate body; applying crystalline nanoparticles onto the surface of the implant; and rotating the implant, to produce an implant with a crystalline nanoparticle layer on its surface. This method of nanoparticle application is designed to promote the integration of implants, such as dental and orthopedic screws, into living tissue, and offers the ability to control the thickness and uniformity of the nanoparticle layer, in one or several layers, while simultaneously retaining the microroughness of the implant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a prosthesis. At least a portion of the prosthesis is made from a ceramic that is treated with ion implantation, which causes a controllable, bilateral compressive stress of the ceramic. A diamond-like-coating (DLC) can be coated on the ceramic and in the same chamber as the ion implantation. After treating by ion implantation and coating with DLC, the ceramic will be strengthened and have a low coefficient of friction and thereby be made much less likely to fracture under load.

Abstract: Biomimetic artificial prostheses which are made from polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate, and a method for the biomimetic functionalization of such prostheses. The method includes a step involving the grafting of biologically-active polymers or copolymers to the polyester surface of the prostheses, the grafting step consisting of the peroxidation of the surface by ozonation followed by a step including the radical polymerization of a solution of at least one monomer. The method also includes an optional step consisting in impregnating the prostheses with type I and/or II collagen and/or fibronectins. The prostheses thus obtained enable a normal and uniform regrowth of the fibroblasts, thereby significantly improving the biological integration of such polyester prostheses.

Abstract: An implant for bone replacement and attachment in an animal's body including, a structural portion having an outer porous surface, a ceramic material applied to the porous surface of the structural portion, characterised in that the thickness of the ceramic material as applied utilizing pulsed pressure MOCVD is such that at least some of the pores of the porous surface are not completely closed.

Abstract: A photocatalyst having superior properties of adsorption and decomposition with respect to various substances is provided. This photocatalyst comprises a porous body coated with titanium apatite. The porous body is preferably diatomaceous earth. The photocatalyst can be formed by co-precipitation or a sol-gel method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a metallic substrate having a biocompatible surface and to the substrate that is produced by means of said method. The method comprises treatment of a metal, i.e., Ti, Ti alloys with Al, V, Ta, Nb, Ni, Fe, Mo or mixtures thereof, Ta, Ta alloys with Fe, Al, Cr, stainless steel, with a melt of calcium nitrate and an additional component which is an oxygen salt of Na, K, Li, Mg and mixtures thereof, said treatment being effected at 180-480 ° C. for 0.1 to 12 hours. A substrate is obtained, wherein the overall layer thickness ranges from 10 to below 1600 nm and the fatigue strength of the substrate is in the same fatigue strength range as that of an untreated substrate at equal number of vibrations N.

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 bone implantable medical device made from a biocompatible material, preferably comprising titania 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 prosthetic implant having a thermally treated ceramic coating and a method of producing a coated prosthetic implant. The ceramic coating is deposited onto the prosthetic implant such as by a plasma spray coating process. The prosthetic implant is thermally treated in a low oxygen environment to increase the hardness and wear-resistance of the ceramic coating for improved articulation of the prosthetic implant.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

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: 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: 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 characterised 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 present invention relates to a material for implantation, which is characterised in that the surface of the material partially comprises at least one area of an inorganic, catalytical substance for improved biocompatibility of the material. Methods for the manufacturing of the material for implantation and the use thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel metal/ceramic hybrid material in which the void space of the ceramic is filled with metal. The metal may be bonded to the ceramic, for example by formation of a metal oxide. The metal may be introduced into the ceramic as small particles in a suspension then heated to melt the metal, allowing bonding to the ceramic or better filling of the void space. The hybrid material may be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Ceramic/structural protein composites and methods of preparation are disclosed, including coatings and films. Ceramic/structural protein coatings can be fabricated on the surface of substrates, including the surface of implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a titanium dioxide photocatalyst composite material, and relates to a method for manufacturing a titanium dioxide composite ceramic material on which photoactive (photooxidative) apatite or another calcium phosphate monocrystal is partially deposited, wherein the method is characterized in promoting the following reactions by immersing titanium dioxide in an aqueous solution containing an excess of phosphorus ions and calcium ions in comparison with an artificial body fluid in order to fabricate a titanium dioxide photocatalyst composite material on which a compound composed of one or more apatite or other calcium phosphate Ca9(PO4)6 monocrystals is partially deposited: (1) forming and aggregating calcium phosphate clusters and producing octacalcium phosphate; (2) converting the octacalcium phosphate into an apatite or other calcium phosphate Ca9(PO4)6 monocrystal; and (3) growing the monocrystal.

Abstract: Controlled release of biopharmaceutical growth factors from a hydroxyapatite coating on a bioresorbable interference screw used in cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on a human. Biologically active scaffolds, such as interference bone screws used for ligament fixation, made by growing calcium phosphate-based hydroxyapatite coatings on bioresorbable poly(?-hydroxy ester) scaffolds that provide controlled mineral dissolution and controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2. The biologically active scaffold provides improved bioavailability of BMP-2 growth factor that in turn provides enhanced graft-bone healing in the tibial bone tunnel. The coating method uses surface hydrolysis and modified simulated body fluid incubation which does not require solvent or heat and is conducted at room temperature.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a generally fixed member formed from a low friction material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and an articulating titanium member, which includes an articular bearing surface. The articular surface is a zirconium oxide layer formed by applying a coating of zirconium onto the titanium member and heating this in an oxygen-containing environment. This causes the zirconium to oxidize and further causes the zirconium to migrate into the titanium member forming a titanium zirconium diffusion layer, which prevents delamination.

Abstract: This invention provides an Osseo-inductive metal implant for a living body and the producing method thereof and, more particularly, the Osseo-inductive metal implant for a living body according to the present invention is produced by forming, on the surface of the metal implant, the layer of metal oxide and the layer of bio-active material injected.

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: A method of coating a substrate wherein the crystallinity of a calcium phosphate substance in a coating material is controlled, the calcium phosphate substance is loaded with a therapeutic agent, and the loaded calcium phosphate is deposited onto at least a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical prosthetic device having a metal material, such as titanium or an alloy thereof, where the surface parts of the metal material are coated with a layer of a corresponding hydroxide material, such as titanium hydroxide. Preferably, the hydroxide layer includes one or more biomolecule substances associated therewith. The invention also relates to an electrolytic process for the preparation of a medical prosthetic device.

Abstract: A femoral stem for canines or humans is made bone-compliant by use of a thick sintered titanium body in a proximal bone contacting region and a polymeric or ceramic body in a distal bone contacting region of the femoral stem. An elastic modulus is thereby engineered to match that of bone tissue. The porous sintered titanium body is created by sintering spheres of titanium. It is bonded to a central solid biocompatible metallic body by diffusion bonding. The distal region has a biocompatible polymeric body or biocompatible cement body. When compression molded the distal region develops an elastic modulus matching that of bone tissue. The proximal region has a porosity designed to encourage bone ingrowth.

Abstract: The method includes the following steps: formulation of liquid, non-gelled and stable precursors by solvolysis of ZV (IV) compounds; precursor deposition on endosseous implant surface; thermal treatment to achieve film densification, in the presence of oxygen, of a complex formed by the said endosseous implant and precursor, to obtain on the implant surface a thin nanocrystalline zirconium dioxide film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biomimetic process for coating a substrate, particularly a medical device, with a biomimetic composition, which comprises: d) producing batchwise in a closed system an acidified biomimetic composition comprising a saline aqueous mixture containing calcium-, magnesium-, phosphate-, bicarbonate ions and a bioactive substance, e) contacting the substrate with said biomimetic composition and f) storing the biomimetic composition in contact with the substrate and allowing a gradual increase of the pH to occur and to cause precipitation of salts and co-precipitation of the bioactive substance on said substrate and to obtain a coated substrate.

Abstract: A biomaterial comprising a porous biocompatible structure and a demineralized bone extract coated onto into the pores of the biocompatible structure are provided. The biomaterial may also comprise a demineralized bone gelatin where the gelatin may be coated over the extract coating or mixed with the extract coating before being applied to the biocompatible structure. Methods for making the biomaterial are also provided.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for preparing a polymeric structure from which a number of medical devices may be constructed is described. The structures are preferably formed from bioabsorbable materials using low temperature fabrication processes, whereby drugs or other bio-active agents are incorporated into or onto the device and degradation of the drugs or other agents during processing is minimized. The method includes preparing a solution of at least one bioabsorbable polymer and a solvent. The solution is then deposited onto a stage and converted into a structure. The solvent is evaporated from the structure. The dried solution forms a structure that is removed from the stage and further dried before being stored in an inert environment. Thereafter, a medical device such as a stent may be constructed from the structure.