Biomaterials

Objectives

Objectives are surface modifications and coatings using ion beam techniques (ion implantation, plasma immersion ion implantation, and ion beam assisted deposition) and micropatterning to design and improve biomaterials surface properties. The focus lies on titanium-based metallic materials for orthopaedic and dental implants. Issues addressed include biocompatibility, hardness, wear, and corrosion. The activities involve fundamental and applied research.
 

Figure
Surface-enhanced precipitation of hydroxyapatite on ion beam modified Ti surfaces upon exposing to simulated body fluid.
(A): Ca- and P-implanted Ti,
(B): control surfaces of pure Ti. Top: 10 h exposure, bottom: 6 h exposure. Surface-aided (arrow l) and surface-inhibited (arrow r) hydroxyapatite nucleation.
 

Skills

The expertise includes surface coatings, modifications, processing, and thin film synthesis by ion beams on metals and ceramics, and surface characterization by particle and photon based analytical techniques. The research group comprises engineers, physicists, and chemists involved in cooperation with material scientists, biologists, and clinicians.
 

Current work in biomaterials

  • Surface-induced formation of biologically active hydroxyapatite on CaO and P2O5  enriched titanium surfaces optimized by ion implantation
  • Surface alloying of dental implant materials by ion implantation
  • Ion beam induced formation of haemocompatible layers on cardiovascular titanium-based  implants
  • Tribological and corrosion properties of Al-implanted titanium containing intermetallic  phases Ti-Al
  • Micropatterning of titanium surfaces
  • Cell culture studies on ion implantation modified and micropatterned surfaces

Cooperation

Technical University Dresden: Institute of Materials Science, Faculty of medicine, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry
The Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China