Novel implant coating technique created

Washington, June 30 (ANI): An electrochemical process for coating metal implants which vastly improves their functionality, longevity and integration into the body has been developed by a Tel Aviv University researcher.

Brainchild of Prof. Noam Eliaz of the TAU School of Mechanical Engineering, the new process could vastly improve the lives of people who have undergone complicated total joint replacement surgeries so they can better walk, run and ultimately avoid rejection of the implant by their bodies.

"The surface chemistry, structure and morphology of our new coatings resemble biological material," explains Prof. Eliaz.

"We've been able to enhance the integration of the coating with the mineralized tissue of the body, allowing more peoples' bodies to accept implants," the expert added.

His new coating resulted in a 33 percent decrease in the level of materials failure, or delamination, in these implants.

Prof. Eliaz presented his findings to the 215th meeting of the Electrochemical Society in San Francisco in May 2009. (ANI)