Anti-bacterial optimization of high-strength, severe-plastic-deformed titanium alloys for spinal implants and surgical tools - SPD-BioTribo

Project summary

The project goal is minimizing surgical site infections in spine surgery, which originates from transfer of bacteria during long surgeries. Bacteria lead to biofilms, causing implant loosening, pain and finally paralysis risks for the patient. Our strategy focuses both on coatings for: (1) spinal implants with medically-optimized antibiotic drug-release from reservoirs + Ag-based long-term anti-bacterial properties against direct colonization + osteoconductivity + tribological resistance, and (2) spinal surgery tools with long-term selective protein adsorption + anti-bacterial properties against bacteria adhesion + wear & corrosion resistance. Further, >30-35% decreased implant and tool sizes are expected by introducing ultrahigh-strength titanium alloys for less-invasive surgeries. Added transnational value is joining Austrian, Polish and Singaporean high-tech material & medical R&D and production knowhow, which will enable the market introduction of implants and tools in 2020.