IIT Mandi Scientists Develop Sea Urchin-Inspired Coating for Bone Implants

A team of scientists at IIT Mandi have devised a novel bio-inspired surface coating of 3D-printed bone implants which may increase the efficiency and safety of orthopedic therapies. 

Nature-Inspired Surface Coating 

The process uses the nano-scale structure of hydroxyapatite mimicking the spiky surface of sea urchins, which are then attached to biodegradable plastic scaffolds used in 3D-printing of bone implants. 

Mechanical Destruction of Bacteria 

In contrast to common methods which rely mainly on antibiotics, the engineered surface coating has the ability to mechanically destroy bacteria which are in contact with the bone implant.

Bone Growth Promotion 

This coating could help promote good attachment between the artificial bone implant and bones in the vicinity of the implantation site because hydroxyapatite is one of the naturally occurring substances in human bones and is essential for the growth and mineralization of bones. 

Publication in Chemical Engineering Journal 

The results of this research have been published in the Chemical Engineering Journal. Researchers say that the combination of biodegradable substance, 3D printing, and biomimicking coating technology can result in development of next generation bone implants. 

This technology will help overcome two major issues associated with bone implants – infection and adherence to the real bone.