Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dispenser, a coherent energy source and an beam steering system. The dispenser defines a path of a droplet. The beam steering system is coupled to the coherent energy source and is configured to define a beam path of the coherent energy source. The beam path of the coherent energy source is disposable across the dispenser path at an interaction location. The beam steering system and coherent energy source are collectively configured such that at least one of a direction, a velocity and an acceleration of the droplet is modified within the interaction location.

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: A substrate has or is provided on a surface with a first porosity. A dispersion with low-viscosity liquid is applied to the surface in order to form a ceramic layer with a second porosity having preferably larger and/or more pores than in the first porosity. The liquid has the ability to be sucked by capillary force into the first pore formation and, in a first stage, to retain on the surface material and/or liquid particles which do not penetrate into this first pore formation, and which contribute to the continued construction of the layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous bioceramics for bone scaffold. The porous bioceramics according to the present invention comprises a biocompatible porous ceramic substrate having the property to thermal-decompose hydroxyapatite in contact with it; a fluorapatite (FA) inner layer formed on said porous ceramic substrate; and a hydroxyapatite (HA) outer layer formed on said fluorapatite inner layer. The insertion of FA intermediate layer can prevent the thermal reaction between ZrO2 and HA. Therefore, the present invention can provide the implant material into human body having excellent mechanical properties of zirconia as well as the biocompatibility, bioaffinity and bioactivity of HA. The present invention can also provide the implant material to promote osteoconduction and osteointegration in human body.

Abstract: A multi-step method of manufacturing a medical device containing therapeutic agents that results in a lower maximum error in the amount of therapeutic agents actually disposed thereon and that allows for differential drug release kinetics along the length of the medical device.

Abstract: Process for forming a coated article by (a) depositing a layer of an omega functionalized organophosphorous compound on an oxide substrate; (b) heating the substrate of step (a) to a temperature sufficient to bond the omega functionalized organophosphorous compound to the oxide substrate; (c) depositing a separate layer onto the layer produced by step (b); and (d) bonding the layers produced by steps (b) and (c) through the omega functional group.

Abstract: A method including forming a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide on a substrate having a dimension suitable for an implant and forming a second coating layer on the first coating layer that promotes osseointegration. An apparatus comprising a substrate having a dimension suitable as a medical or dental implant and a coating on a surface of a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide and a second coating layer that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: Biocompatible composites comprising peptide amphiphiles and surface modified substrates and related methods for attachment thereon.

Abstract: An implant and an implant member for attaching to living biological tissue of a human being or an animal. The implant has an outer surface comprising a first part and a second part which have different properties with regard to the biocompatibility of each part with biological tissue. The implant includes at least one surface portion comprising a ground surface making up the first part and one or several delimited regions making up said second part. A method for producing the implant, where a perforated masking unit is applied onto the implant, and a masking unit for the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a transparent and homogenized polymeric sol of a calcium phosphate compound, containing apatite and having excellent wettability and bioactivity, according to a sol-gel synthesis, and a method for coating the polymeric sol on a metal implant, in which the polymeric sol is coated on the metal implant and then heat-treated to form a dense coated layer strongly bonded to the metal implant. The polymeric sol is obtained by process of preparing a calcium salt solution, containing calcium ethoxide dissolved in organic acid, and a phosphate solution, containing triethyl phosphite or triethyl phosphate dissolved in the organic acid, mixing the calcium salt solution with the phosphate solution to produce a mixed solution, and aging the mixed solution.

Abstract: A method for coating substrates with calcium phosphate. The aim of the method is to be able to carry out a simple coating for all materials as well as for particles. To this end, the substrate to be coated is placed in a calcium phosphate gel, whereupon this substrate that is coated with the gel is dried. Afterwards, the calcium phosphate particles not adhering to the substrate are removed. The substrate can also be placed inside a colloidal solution of SiO2 containing a calcium phosphate, whereupon the mixture is constantly set in motion, the solvent is removed, and the substrate is provided with a calcium phosphate layer by condensing the colloidal SiO2 on the surface of the substrate. The coated substrates can, particularly when it concerns coated particles, be used as a bone substitute material.

Abstract: Modified porous materials are disclosed having interconnected, complexly shaped three-dimensional surfaces. The modification is accomplished by crosslinking the three-dimensional surfaces and/or by coating the three-dimensional surfaces with a layer of a predetermined material. 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: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical device including applying a composition to an implantable medical device, the composition including a polymer, an active agent and a solvent; allowing the solvent to evaporate to form a dry coating, the dry coating comprising less than about 2% residual fluid content (w/w); applying a fluid to the dry coating, the fluid being substantially free from any polymer; and allowing the fluid to evaporate from the coating.

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: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical devices. More in particular, the invention relates to a method for coating by depositing inorganic ions and a bioactive agent to provide sterile medical devices, wherein said coating improves the biocompatibility and/or bioactivity of a medical device, such as an orthopedic or dental prosthesis. Furthermore, the invention relates to a medical device coated with a method according to the invention and to a reactor for use in a method according to the invention.

Abstract: A process for producing a rigid reticulated article involves coating a reticulated substrate which has open, interconnected porosity with a first dispersion comprising a ceramic or metal powder to form a first coating thereon; drying the coated reticulated substrate; contacting the coated reticulated substrate with one or more additional dispersions in succession to form one or more additional coatings thereon; drying the additional coatings between the steps of contacting; heating the coated reticulated substrate to pyrolyze organic components; and sintering the coated reticulated substrate to form a reticulated article, wherein each dispersion has a viscosity less than that of all preceding dispersions. A rigid reticulated article includes inner, intermediate and outer sintered layers of material in which the inner and outer layers are of different composition and the intermediate layer is a composite of the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing an implantable article with a bioactive strontium-substituted ceramic apatite coating. The method involves incubating a biocompatible substrate surface that is not coated with a calcium-containing compound with a composition comprising (i) strontium ions, (ii) calcium ions, (iii) phosphate ions, and (iv) a liquid carrier.

Abstract: A process for applying a coating having a therapeutic agent such as an antibiotic or a bone morphogenic protein to an implant uses the high surface area of a calcium phosphate coated metal implant as a repository for the therapeutic agent. The implant is coated with one or more layers of calcium phosphate minerals such as hydroxyapatite. After the crystalline layer is applied, which is usually done within an aqueous solution, the implant is dried and packaged. Immediately prior to implantation, the implant is removed from the package and the crystalline layer of calcium phosphate is wetted with an aqueous solution containing the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable medical devices with enhanced patency. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene small caliber vascular grafts coated with polymer bound bio-active agents that exhibit enhanced patency are disclosed. The polymer bound bio-active agents can include anti-thrombogenic agents, antibiotics, antibacterial agents and antiviral agents. Methods of preparing same are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for single-step surface modification, grafting and sterilization for bio-active coating on materials and biomaterials used in medical devices, such as catheters, tissue engineering scaffolds, or drug delivery carrier materials. This may include any medical device or implantable that could benefit from improved antithrombogenic and biocompatible surfaces. Other relevant device examples may include heparin or urokinase coated stents to reduce clotting and restenosis, dental or ophthamological implants. These materials may be comprised of a variety of polymeric compositions such as, polyurethane, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyHEMA, polyvinyl alcohol, polysiloxanes, polylactic or glycolic acids, polycaprolactone, etc. The substrates can also be metal, ceramics or biologically derived materials.

Abstract: A process for the production of a biomedical implant having an oxide of titanium on a surface thereof, the process comprising: (a) providing a biomedical implant, at least a surface of which comprises titanium or an alloy thereof; (b) exposing said surface of the biomedical implant to an oxygen-containing atmosphere having a dew point of ≦0° C.; (c) heating said surface of the biomedical implant in said atmosphere whereby an oxide of titanium is formed on at least said surface.

Abstract: The surface of a device that is surgically implantable in living bone is prepared. The device is made of titanium with a native oxide layer on the surface. The method of preparation comprises the steps of removing the native oxide layer from the surface of the device and performing further treatment of the surface substantially in the absence of unreacted oxygen.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of coating stents and stents produced in accordance therewith. The object of the invention is to provide methods of coating stents with a polysaccharide layer which has improved adhesion capacity on the substrate surface of the implant, and to afford correspondingly functionalized stents. That is achieved inter alia by covalent bonding of a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid to a substrate surface of the stent with the formation of hyaluronic acid layer and crosslinking of the hyaluronic acid layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a broadly applicable methodology for making a bioactive titanium surface which would be clinically-acceptable and effective as either an anti-thrombin, thrombolytic or growth promoting surface coating, or any combination of these. The bioactive surface can be prepared using any material comprising titanium in whole or in part; is suitable for inclusion upon the exposed surfaces of surgically implantable prostheses comprising titanium; offers a means for avoiding systemic anticoagulation therapy to reduce thrombus formation and thromboembolism in the living subject receiving a surgically implanted prosthesis; and provides a means to induce cellular attachment and proliferation onto the titanium surface of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating a medical implant, wherein the implant is submersed in an aqueous solution of magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions through which a gaseous weak acid is passed, the solution is degassed, and the coating is allowed to precipitate onto the implant. The invention further relates to a medical implant coated in said method and to a device for use in said method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparation of the supersaturated calcium and phosphate ions solution and a method for preparation of the thin film of calcium phosphate crystal on solid surface by using the said solution. Particularly, the lowered temperature and/or the use of suitable buffer system inhibit the nucleation of calcium phosphate in aqueous solution, and thereby highly supersaturated calcium and phosphate ions solution can be prepared. And the thin film of calcium phosphate crystal on solid surface can be prepared with rapidity and good quality of high reactivity and low crystallinity by using the said solution. Also the thin film of calcium phosphate crystal prepared according to the present invention has biocompatibility and can be applied as biomaterials.

Abstract: The invention relates to the coloring of ceramics by means of ionic or complex-containing solutions. Solutions preferred for this contain defined concentrations of at least one of the salts or complexes of the rare earth elements or the elements of the subgroups. The invention also relates to a kit, which comprises at least one stock bottle with such a coloring solution, a receptacle for the coloring as well as optionally a screen.

Abstract: A pressable glass ceramic which contains lithium silicate glass and leucite is disclosed. Also, disclosed is the combination of leucite and a lithium silicate glass to stably increase the coefficients of thermal expansion of the resulting glass composition, and the preparation of leucite suitable for addition to the glass composition. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating glass ceramic and dental products from the pressable glass ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a proteinaceous coating on a medical implant, comprising the steps of: submersing the implant in a first aqueous solution comprising a protein and magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions through which a gaseous weak acid is passed; degassing the solution; allowing a coating to precipitate onto the implant; submersing the coated implant in a second solution to redissolve the magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions and to obtain the proteinaceous coating.

Abstract: A method for producing an orthopaedic implant having enhanced fatigue strength. A forged implant substrate having an elongated stem is incorporated with a melting point lowering substance. Then, metal particles are sintered to the substrate, forming a porous layer on the substrate which enhances bone in growth or the mechanical interlock with bone cement. Advantageously, the sintering occurs at a lower temperature than if the substance were not incorporated into the substrate, which in turn results in an enhanced fatigue strength of the inventive implant. The fatigue strength of a forged or cast implant can also be improved by nitrogen diffusion hardening and/or thermally processing the implant after the porous coating is adhered by sintering. Further, the fatigue strength can be further improved by combining incorporating the melting point lowering substance with nitrogen diffusion hardening and/or aging treatment subsequent to sintering.

Abstract: A process for applying a coating having a therapeutic agent such as an antibiotic or a bone morphogenic protein to an implant uses the high surface area of a calcium phosphate coated metal implant as a repository for the therapeutic agent. The implant is coated with one or more layers of calcium phosphate minerals such as hydroxyapatite. After the crystalline layer is applied, which is usually done within an aqueous solution, the implant is dried and packaged. Immediately prior to implantation, the implant is removed from the package and the crystalline layer of calcium phosphate is wetted with an aqueous solution containing the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Surface coating method for applying a chemically bonded ceramic coating on a substrate, comprising the steps of preparing a powder mixture based on a hydraulic ceramic binder phase, preparing a substrate surface, applying at least one layer of the powder mixture on the substrate, and finally hydrating the powder layer/layers by addition of a water-based solution. The present invention method can be applied without using elevated temperatures, complicated and complex equipment, while maintaining control over the microstructure of the coating. The inventive procedure can suitably be used for producing general orthopaedic and dental implants. The inventive coatings can also be used in microstructure technology applications or in wear and friction applications.

Abstract: A process for coating at least a portion of a face of a siliceous substrate with a silicon containing layer, the process includes at least the following steps: a treatment step, in which at least the portion of the face of the siliceous substrate is treated with a composition containing at least one biocide, and at least the portion of the face of the siliceous substrate is reacted with a reactive composition for forming a silicon containing layer chemically bound to the siliceous substrate.

Abstract: A process for applying a coating having a therapeutic agent such as an antibiotic to an implant uses the high surface area of a calcium phosphate coated metal implant as a repository for the therapeutic agent. The implant is coated with one or more layers of calcium phosphate minerals such as hydroxyapatite. After the crystalline layer is applied, which is usually done within an aqueous solution, the implant is dried and packaged. Immediately prior to implantation, the implant is removed from the package and the crystalline layer of calcium phosphate is wetted with an aqueous solution containing the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A hydrogen peroxide solution is applied onto the surface of a metallic member to oxidize the metallic member and to form the oxide film. At this time, a light beam is irradiated towards the metallic member through the hydrogen peroxide solution to promote oxidization of the metallic member. The light beam is one of a visible ray, a laser beam, and an ultraviolet ray.

Abstract: A method of making artificial bone comprises providing a membrane of collagen with solutions of calcium ions and of phosphate ions on opposite sides of the membrane. The calcium ions and phosphate ions diffuse through the membrane and precipitate as a hydroxyapatite material. Control of ionic concentrations ensures that precipitation takes place within the fibrils of the membrane. The result is an artificial bone material comprising a matrix of collagen and a hydroxyapatite material deposited within the matrix.

Abstract: A method of forming thin porous layers of calcium phosphate upon a silicon wafer surface using a high voltage spark. The outer layer of calcium phosphate is the inorganic component of bone and is anchored to the underlying substrate of silicon. The silicon is compatible with existing integrated circuit processing methods. The morphology and thickness of the calcium phosphate film can be controlled by the duration of the spark and the distance between the affected surface and the counterelectrode utilized. The resultant porous layer can be impregnated with medicinally useful substances which then can be subsequently released to the surroundings through an electrical actuator.

Abstract: A bioactive bone mineral carbonated nano-crystalline apatite is chemically bonded to a variety of substrates, including implantable prostheses. This coating is applied uniformly to substrate surfaces of varying geometry and surface textures. It is firmly secured to the substrate and encourages rapid and effective bone ingrowth. The coating is applied by immersing the substrate in an aqueous solution containing calcium, phosphate and carbonate ions. Other ions, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, sulfate, and silicate, may optionally be present in the solution. The solution is exposed in a controlled environment when it reacts with the substrate to form the coating.

Abstract: A semi-automated coating system for providing medical devices with antimicrobial coatings is disclosed. The semi-automated coating system extends the coating solution's usable life span by minimizing exposure to light, air and temperature extremes. Moreover, the disclosed semi-automated coating system minimizes operator and environmental exposure to the coating solutions. Methods for coating medical devices using the semi-automated coating system are also provided. The methods disclose techniques for preparing coating solutions, setting up the coating system and operating the device. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein minimize operator intervention with the coating processes and provide superior product consistency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomedical implant material comprising a substrate for biomedical implant made of a ceramic material, a first coating layer formed on the surface of said substrate by low-thermal impact coating process, and a second coating layer formed on said first coating layer via a metallic layer formed by thermal spraying process, and a method of producing the same. According to the biomedical implant material, it is made possible to prevent cracks from occurring in the ceramic substrate, and to secure sufficient bonding strength between the thermal-sprayed layer of titanium or the like onto the ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A solid powder product with a Ca/P ratio of between 1.40 and 1.90 is prepared from tricalcium phosphate and tetracalcium phosphate. An aqueous solution containing calcium ions and phosphate ions with a Ca/P ratio higher than 0.20 and lower than 0.50 is prepared. The aqueous solution and the solid powder product and optionally water are mixed to obtain a mixture with a liquid/solid weight ratio of between 0.30 and 0.65 and a resulting paste with a Ca/P ratio of between 1.50 and 1.67.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee-joint endoprosthesis with a metallic femoral part (2) anchored in the femur that articulates with a tibial part anchored in the tibia bone, the articulating surface of the femoral part (2) being a ceramic structural member (3) that is connected to the femoral part (2) in mechanically stable manner. With a view to optimising the attachment of the ceramic structural member (3) to the femoral part (2), various possible solutions are proposed.

Abstract: An implant includes a main body member having bio-compatibility, and particles formed of bioactive material and dispersedly provided at the surface of an embedded section of the main body member. Each of the particles has a part embedded in the embedded portion and the other part protruding from the embedded portion. The main body member is formed of titanium or titanium alloy. The particles having osteo-conduction are formed of a material selected from among a group consisting of sintered substances of hydroxylapatite, &agr;-tricalcium phosphate, &bgr;-tricalcium phosphate, tetra-calcium phosphate, a single substance of amorphous calcium phosphate, monetite, brushite, 45S4 glass, and a mixture of them. It is desirable that the embedded section surface has a surface roughness in a range of 5 to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hard tissue scaffold comprising a resorbable ceramic. The scaffold is formed by first creating unfired (green) bioresorbable ceramic fibers via the viscous suspension spinning process (VSSP). Then, using common textile techniques, a structure in which the size and distribution of interconnected pores are controlled, is created. Heat treating the structure to remove the organic phase and sintering the ceramic yields a hard tissue scaffold.

Abstract: An implant includes a main body member having bio-compatibility, and particles formed ofbioactive material and dispersedly provided at the surface of an embedded section of the main body member. Each of the particles has a part embedded in the embedded portion and the other part protruding from the embedded portion. The main body member is formed of titanium or titanium alloy. The particles having osteo-conduction are formed of a material selected from among a group consisting of sintered substances of hydroxylapatite, &agr;-tricalcium phosphate, &bgr;-tricalcium phosphate, tetra-calcium phosphate, a single substance of amorphous calcium phosphate, monetite, brushite, 45S4 glass, and a mixture of them. It is desirable that the embedded section surface has a surface roughness in a range of 5 to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel sol-gel calcium phosphate, in particular hydroxyapatite ceramic coatings and processes of making same at low temperature. Such coatings are useful, inter alia, for dental implants and bone-metal contact appliances. A sol-gel process for preparing a crystallized hydroxyapatite which comprises: (a) hydrolysing a phosphor precursor in a water based medium; (b) adding a calcium salt precursor to the medium after the phosphite has been hydrolysed to obtain a hydroxyapatite gel; and (c) calcining the crystallized hydroxyapatite at a suitable elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable device coated with a layer of calcium phosphate and optionally one or more biologically active substances such as growth factors, lipis, (lipo)polysaccharides, hormones, proteins, antibiotics or cytostatics. The device can be obtained by a nanotechnology process comprising subjecting a substrate to a surface treatment until a surface roughness with an average peak distance (Ra value) between 10 and 1,000 nm and subjecting the roughened surface to precipitation of calcium phosphate from a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions with optional coprepitation of the biologically active substance.

Abstract: The osteointegration of osseous fixing implants may be improved through a series of surface treatments. These treatments comprise a cleaning and passivation process, the application of a coating of CaUPVHXOYCZ to the implant, where subindexes u, v, x, y, and z are natural numbers including zero with variable stoichiometry, and a sterilization process by irradiation. The flexibility of this method provides for the control of physical and chemical properties of the obtained surface in order to match the properties with those of the bone in which the implant will be placed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for faster and stronger tissue-implant bonding by treating a ceramic implant with an ion beam to modify the surface of the ceramic. The surface modification can give the ceramic improved ion-exchange properties depending upon the particular ceramic and the type of ions used. In a preferred embodiment, a bioactive ceramic orthopaedic, dental, or soft tissue implant is bombarded with a beam of cations. When implanted in the body, the surface modification causes an increase in the release of critical ions, such as calcium or phosphorus, from the surface of the ceramic implant, and thereby accelerates implant-tissue bond formation.