Current Trends in Metallic Orthopedic Biomaterials: From Additive Manufacturing to Bio-Functionalization, Infection Prevention, and Beyond

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in metallic biomaterials during the last five years, as recent developments in additive manufacturing (=3D printing), surface bio-functionalization techniques, infection prevention strategies, biodegradable metallic biomaterials, and composite biomaterials have provided many possibilities to develop biomaterials and medical devices with unprecedented combinations of favorable properties and advanced functionalities. Moreover, development of biomaterials is no longer separated from the other branches of biomedical engineering, particularly tissue biomechanics, musculoskeletal dynamics, and image processing aspects of skeletal radiology. In this editorial, I will discuss all the above-mentioned topics, as they constitute some of the most important trends of research on metallic biomaterials. This editorial will, therefore, serve as a foreword to the papers appearing in a special issue covering the current trends in metallic biomaterials.

Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI): A Clinical Practice Protocol in High-Risk Patients

“…Since bacterial adhesion to the implant surface represents a key step of biofilm formation, several studies have focused on the relationship between prosthetic biomaterials and the increased risk of PJI [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Material and surface engineering led to the development of bactericidal/bacteriostatic modification of implant surfaces, such as chemical immobilization of antimicrobials, coatings with a broad range of antibacterial compounds (Gentamycin polymer, DAC hydrogel, silver-coated and iodine-coated implants), micro-textured surfaces, or anti-adhesion topographies: nevertheless, no method seems ideal, different results are reported, and no consensus exists on the use of a specific bactericidal surface [ 28 ].…”

3D Printing Improved Testicular Prostheses: Using Lattice Infill Structure to Modify Mechanical Properties

“…Such graded designed metamaterial approaches and 3D printing are beginning to be used to solve problems with or improve upon other medical device products. This includes applications for orthopedic implants where bone substructures including cortical and trabecular bone have been 3D printed with titanium in a graded lattice structure to match the anisotropic mechanical properties of bone (11,21). These concepts could be further applied here to improve upon the testicle prosthesis design.…”

Additively manufactured porous metallic biomaterials

“…There are many more important areas of research that need more attention from researchers. 280,281 Three of those areas Fig. 10 Silver nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of AM porous metallic biomaterials using plasma electrolytic oxidation minimize the risk of implant-associated infections (a).…”