Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Noam Eliaz of the TAU School of Mechanical Engineering has developed an electrochemical process for coating metal implants which vastly improves their functionality, longevity and integration into the body. “The surface chemistry, structure and morphology of our new coatings resemble biological material,” explains Prof. Eliaz. “We`ve been able to enhance the integration of the coating with the mineralized tissue of the body, allowing more peoples` bodies to accept implants.” His new coating resulted in a 33% decrease in the level of materials failure, or delamination, in these implants.
The next-generation coating will include nano-particles to reinforce the coating. It will also have the potential to incorporate biological material or drugs during the process itself.