A new technology will improve osseointegration of dental implants

The history of dental implantology dates back to antiquity, yet scientists are still working to solve a number of problems, including failed osseointegration and inflammation. Researchers from the Center for Biomaterials at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a new method for producing a ceramic artificial bone coating for implants. This technology features a shorter manufacturing process and improved coating adhesion.

Due to their enhanced biocompatibility and osseointegration, hydroxyapatite coatings are often applied to biomedical devices implanted directly into bone tissue. However, they require a synthesis process to produce the artificial bone material and a separate coating application process, which is time-consuming. In addition, the bond between the substrate and the artificial bone coating layer is often insufficiently strong, leading to damage or even failure.

"Hydroxyapatite coating is already widely used. However, when it peels off, it becomes clear that such a coating layer is ineffective," notes Dr. Hoichon Jeon, a principal research scientist at KIST.

To address these issues, the research team developed a method for inducing an artificial bone coating in just 1 hour using a single process that does not require separate synthesis of the raw material for the artificial bone coating. The scientists placed the coating material in a solution containing calcium and phosphorus and irradiated it with a laser. The localized temperature increase at the target site triggered a reaction between calcium and phosphorus to form ceramic artificial bone (hydroxyapatite) and create a coating layer.

Compared with conventional methods, the new technology creates a coating layer with stronger bonding capability. "The coating method we developed increases adhesive strength. We expect that the laser-induced coating will have at least three to four times higher adhesive strength than a coating layer formed by thermal plasma spraying," says Dr. Jeon. In addition, the coating can be applied not only to metal surfaces but also to polymer material surfaces, which has so far been impossible with conventional processes.

According to Dr. Jeon, KIST is currently working in collaboration with one of South Korea's orthopedic companies to optimize the technology for practical application. The innovation is expected to reach the market in about three years. "The biggest advantage of this technology is reducing the time and cost of the hydroxyapatite coating process while simultaneously increasing adhesive strength," he concludes.

The study "Robust hydroxyapatite coating by laser-induced hydrothermal synthesis" was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.