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Development of a facile fluorophosphonate-functionalised titanium surface for potential orthopaedic applications
Anna I Shiel1, Wayne N Ayre2, Ashley W Blom3
1Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK.
Journal of Orthopaedic Translation
|August 21, 2020
Summary
A new method coats titanium implants with a bioactive lipid, enhancing bone cell growth and improving implant longevity. This simple functionalization offers a cost-effective solution to reduce revision surgeries for joint replacements.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Aseptic loosening is the primary cause of total joint replacement (TJR) failure, leading to significant healthcare costs associated with revision surgeries.
- Enhancing the longevity of titanium implants is crucial for reducing failure rates and associated expenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a superior titanium surface technology for improved implant performance.
- To investigate a facile method for coating titanium with a bioactive lipid analogue.
Main Methods:
- Exploited the affinity of titanium for phosphonic acids to coat the metal with (3S)1-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4-(oleoyloxy)butyl-1-phosphonate (FHBP).
- FHBP is a phosphatase-resistant analogue of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) that promotes osteoblast formation and maturation, especially when combined with calcitriol.
Main Results:
- Immersing titanium in FHBP solutions created a surface superior to unmodified titanium in enhancing osteoblast maturation.
- The FHBP-functionalized titanium surface demonstrated stability for up to 2 years of storage, resistance to gamma irradiation, and survival in a bone substitute model.
Conclusions:
- The simple and robust method for modifying titanium surfaces offers significant appeal for implant manufacturers.
- This functionalized titanium surface has the potential to reduce the incidence and cost of failed joint replacement devices.
