Currently, a number of strategies to create either biologically active or antimicrobial surfaces of biomaterials are being developed and commercially applied. However, for metallic implants in contact with bone, both osteomyelitis and a fast and stable long-term fixation of implants are challenges to be overcome, especially in the case of bad bone quality. Therefore, the present work aims to develop compound coatings of calcium phosphate phases (CPP) and chlorhexidine (CHD) that combine bioactive properties with a strategy to prevent initial bacterial adhesion and thus offer a possible solution to the two major problems of implant surgery mentioned above. Using electrochemically assisted deposition of CPP on samples of Ti6Al4V together with the pH-dependent solubility of CHD, the preparation of coatings with a wide range of CHD concentrations (150 ng/cm(2) to 65 microg/cm(2)) from electrolytes with CHD concentrations between 50 and 200 microM was possible, thus allowing the adaptation of implant surface properties to different surgical and patient situations. Detailed SEM and FTIR analysis showed that coatings are formed by a co-deposition process of both phases and that CHD interacts with the deposition and transformation of CPP in the coating. For high CHD contents, coatings consist of CHD crystals coated by nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite.

Microelectronic substrates like silicon, alumina and LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics) allow for high robustness and reliability, 3D packaging (electrical connection, channels, cavities and membranes) as well as integration and application of electronic components whereas piezoceramic materials offer sensor and actuator operations. To combine the advantages of both, integrated solutions are of great interest. This paper deals with two approaches of monolithic integration, (i) screen printing of piezoceramic thick films on microelectronic substrates and subsequent post firing and (ii) integration of pre-fired piezoceramic components into green LTCC multilayer packages and subsequent sintering. Functionality of smart microsystems not only depends on the outer design and construction but to a great part on interaction of substrate and piezoceramic material properties. A thorough choice of materials as well as the understanding and prevention of chemical reactions are necessary to build effective systems.

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