TAGS: Smart Coatings
Flinders University and Chinese researchers test and develop a new orthopedic implant coating for superior knee and hip replacements which has the strong ability to ward off infection as well as stimulate bone growth.
The patented technology consists of novel Silver-Gallium (Ag-Ga) nano-amalgamated particles that can be easily applied to medical device surfaces.
Ag-Ga Nano-Amalgamation
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The antibacterial capabilities of compounds derived from silver have been extensively researched. However, the cytotoxicity of silver ions currently poses a significant obstacle for the utilization of silver ions in medical materials,” said Dr. Vi-Khanh Truong, corresponding author from the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory (BNL) at Flinders University.
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Our new formula involving Ag-Ga nano-amalgamation ensures the sustained release of silver and gallium ions in a very controlled manner to eliminate these issues,” continued Dr. Truong.
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The discovery provides an urgently needed solution to medical device-associated infections,” said Matthew Flinders, senior author and professor Krasimir Vasilev, director of the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory at the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University.
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The new material could be easily and controllably applied by spray-casting on many medical devices to protect them against infection, and also provide anti-inflammatory effect and stimulate bone growth,” stated professor Vasilev.
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Our latest testing indicates this combination of antibacterial protection and tissue integration properties can benefit many devices in the orthopedic, trauma, and also dental areas,” added professor Vasilev.
Solution for Growing Antibiotic Resistance
Infections after orthopedic implant surgery are a global health issue, with rates ranging from 2% to 10% in developed countries and up to 15% in developing regions.
The latest testing was supported by collaborator including professor Yunpeng Zhao, a surgeon at the Qilu Hospital and University of Shandong colleagues in China. The Ag-Ga nano-amalgamated particles exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against a broad spectrum of bacterial strains in animal models.
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The discovery has the potential to apply to various implantable devices, catheters and other access devices and even wound dressings where infections are also problematic. Commercialization opportunities could make this solution available to clinicians and patients in the near future at a time when growing antibiotic resistance is yet another problem in global healthcare,” added Dr. Truong.
Galvanic Liquid Metal (GaLM) was used to facilitate the galvanic deposition of silver nanocrystals (Ag) on oxide layer. The GaLM not only serves as a carrier for silver through the galvanic replacement process but also provides a controlled-release mechanism for silver.
First author Master of Biotechnology student Tien Thanh Nguyen also worked fellow Flinders researchers on the latest study in collaboration with clinical experts from Shandong University and Shandong hospitals.
Source: Flinders University