New “Smart” Implant Coatings Warn of Early Failure and Resist Infections
Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have recently developed innovative “smart” coatings for orthopedic surgical implants. These coatings have the ability to monitor stress on the implants, providing early detection of potential implant failures. Furthermore, they can combat harmful bacteria that may cause infections. Inspired by the wings of dragonflies and cicadas, the smart coatings integrate flexible sensors with a nanostructured antibacterial surface.
In a new study in the journal Science Advances, a multidisciplinary team of researchers found the coatings prevented infection in live mice and mapped strain in commercial implants applied to sheep spines to warn of various implant or healing failures.
“This is a combination of bio-inspired nanomaterial design with flexible electronics to battle a complicated, long-term biomedical problem,” said study leader Qing Cao, a U. of I. professor of materials science and engineering.
New “Smart” Implant Coatings Warn of Early Failure and Resist Infections