Surface Treatment of Acetabular Cups with a Direct Deposition of a Composite Nanostructured Layer Using a High Electrostatic Field

Abstract

A composite nanofibrous layer containing collagen and hydroxyapatite was deposited on selected surface areas of titanium acetabular cups. The layer was deposited on the irregular surface of these 3D objects using a specially developed electrospinning system designed to ensure the stability of the spinning process and to produce a layer approximately 100 micrometers thick with an adequate thickness uniformity. It was verified that the layer had the intended nanostructured morphology throughout its entire thickness and that the prepared layer sufficiently adhered to the smooth surface of the model titanium implants even after all the post-deposition sterilization and stabilization treatments were performed. The resulting layers had an average thickness of (110 ± 30) micrometers and an average fiber diameter of (170 ± 49) nanometers. They were produced using a relatively simple and cost-effective technology and yet they were verifiably biocompatible and structurally stable. Collagen- and hydroxyapatite-based composite nanostructured surface modifications represent promising surface treatment options for metal implants.

Vancomycin-Loaded Collagen/Hydroxyapatite Layers Electrospun on 3D Printed Titanium Implants Prevent Bone Destruction Associated with S. epidermidis Infection and Enhance Osseointegration

“…A further important factor concerns the adhesion of the electrospun layer to the metallic alloy surface. The various steps involved in the use of surface treatments for enhancing adhesion and layer homogeneity were presented in a paper previously published by the authors [ 39 ]. Although we are confident that the highly promising results of our study have the potential for application in the field of modern orthopedics, it will be necessary to conduct additional preclinical studies going forward employing large animal sample sizes aimed at verifying our findings.…”

“…Since the ideal approach to the treatment of infected bone defects consists of the simultaneous repair of large-size bone defects and the inhibition of related infections, the use of an osteoconductive bone graft with antibiotic and growth factor release capabilities and osteogenesis-matched degradation properties is possible [ 38 ]. This study comprises a follow-up to previous papers published by the research team [ 3 , 27 , 30 , 39 ] that addressed the development of a coating for orthopedic implants in the form of a nanofibrous layer, which exerts a strong local anti-infection effect and, simultaneously, does not lead to a decrease in the rate of osseointegration necessary for the suitable fixation of the implant. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted of the vancomycin release kinetics, antimicrobial efficiency, and cytocompatibility of such collagen/hydroxyapatite/vancomycin layers.…”

Progress in Surface Modification of Titanium Implants by Hydrogel Coatings

“…In comparison with uncoated commercially pure titanium, collagen coating significantly improves bone mineralization and maturation [36]. More rapid osteointegration will be achieved if the coating is combined with vitamins [37], phospholipid [38], or hydroxyapatite (HA) [39][40][41]. Besides osteogenesis, collagen coating can support the timely conversion of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the pro-healing M2 phenotype, inhibiting inflammatory reaction and generating a beneficial osteoimmune microenvironment [42,43] (Figure 2).…”

Electrospray: More than just an ionization source

“…Other special collectors enable the production of yarns [126], tubes [127], or fluffy structures [128]. Interestingly, fibers can be deposited on various 3D objects as well (e.g., acetabular cups [129] or stents [130]). The method can, therefore, be used both for producing self‐supporting materials and for depositing thin layers on various substrates.…”