ResearchActivities

Surface modifications and advanced functional biomaterials

Abstract:
This research is dedicated to developing next-generation synovial joint implants by focusing on targeted surface topography modifications, advanced engineering coatings, and the incorporation of 2D nanomaterials. These innovations aim to significantly reduce wear rates and extend the service life of implants.

Main objectives:

  • To determine optimal surface texture parameters for frictional surfaces of implants.

  • To develop DLC-based coatings with superior wear resistance.

  • To enhance the biotribological performance of implants using nanoparticles.

Research content:
The research is centred on creating advanced joint implants with significantly improved durability, which will enhance patients' quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. Building on prior expertise, the research is divided into three key areas: (i) targeted surface topography modification through texturing, (ii) the application of advanced DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings, and (iii) the integration of 2D nanomaterials as fillers or coatings for implants produced via additive manufacturing.

International collaboration and innovative tiling technology have led to the development of a surface-textured acetabular cup, achieving up to a 40% reduction in friction compared to traditional implants. The synergy of surface texturing and advanced coatings has also resulted in a substantial increase in lubricant film thickness, as measured by thin film colorimetric interferometry. These experiments were conducted using an in-lab developed pendulum hip joint simulator, which allows for the testing of hip joint replacements under conditions that closely mimic realistic contact conformity.

Ongoing international collaborations are focused on creating advanced DLC-based coatings with exceptional substrate adhesion, providing effective protection against wear. Additionally, the research is exploring the use of 2D nanomaterials, which have the potential to revolutionize biomedical engineering. Recent studies suggest that these materials could achieve superlubricity, reducing friction to unprecedented levels, measured in units of thousandths. This could represent a significant breakthrough in the development of longer-lasting, higher-performing joint implants.

Publications:
NEČAS, D.; USAMI, H.; NIIMI, T.; SAWAE, Y.; KŘUPKA, I.; HARTL, M. Running-in friction of hip joint replacements can be significantly reduced: The effect of surface-textured acetabular cup. Friction, 2020, vol. 8, no. 6, p. 1137-1152. ISSN: 2223-7690. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40544-019-0351-x

CHOUDHURY, D.; REBENDA, D.; SASAKI, S.; HEKRLE, P.; VRBKA, M.; ZOU, M. Enhanced lubricant film formation through micro-dimpled hard-on-hard artificial hip joint: An in-situ observation of dimple shape effects. Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials, 2018, vol. 81, no. 5, p. 120-129. ISSN: 1751-6161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.02.014

NEČAS, David, Adam GELNAR, Benedict ROTHAMMER, Max MARIAN, Matúš RANUŠA, Sandro WARTZACK, Martin VRBKA, Ivan KŘUPKA and Martin Hartl. 2024. Frictional Behavior and Surface Topography Evolution of DLC-Coated Biomedical Alloys. Tribology Letters. /Under review/

Partners and Collaboration:
Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Martensstrasse 9, 910 58, Erlangen, Germany.

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul 690411, Chile.

Meijo University, 1 Chome-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tempaku Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 468-0073, Japan.

Projects:
MEBioSys – Mechanical engineering of biological and bio-inspired systems, Johannes Amos Comenius programme, CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004634, 2023-2028.

Contact person:
doc. Ing. David Nečas, Ph.D.