Monolithic Implant Nanostructures for Osseointegration and Bacterial Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical implants, particularly dental implants, face challenges in achieving long-term osseointegration while preventing bacterial infections, with current surface modification methods potentially leading to unstable surfaces and side effects.

Innovation Solution

A method for forming monolithic nanostructures on implant surfaces through deposition, heating to form nanoparticles, and etching to create cone-shaped structures with controlled sidewall angles, enhancing osseointegration and reducing bacterial adhesion without thick oxide layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate coatings are applied to provide different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate functional coatings (antimicrobial, anticoagulant, antibiotic, antifouling) into a single monolithic nanostructure coating layer. This single integrated coating provides all desired functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple sequential coating applications and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monolithic nanostructure coating is formed as a composite material incorporating multiple functional agents (antimicrobial particles, anticoagulant molecules, antibiotic agents, antifouling compounds) within a single matrix structure. This composite approach allows different functional materials to be distributed throughout one unified coating layer, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate coating layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate coatings are applied to provide different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but number of manufacturing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of manufacturing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple coating application steps into a single manufacturing process. By incorporating all functional agents into one monolithic nanostructure coating that can be applied in a single step, the number of manufacturing operations is reduced, improving productivity and manufacturing efficiency while still providing antimicrobial, anticoagulant, antibiotic, and antifouling functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-combining multiple functional agents into a single integrated coating formulation before application. This pre-integration of functional materials into one coating composition allows all functions to be applied simultaneously in a single manufacturing step, rather than requiring sequential application of multiple separate coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If separate functional coatings are used, then specific function performance is improved, but coating uniformity and structural integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecific function performanceVSAvoidcoating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to create a monolithic nanostructure coating that maintains uniformity and structural integrity. By embedding multiple functional agents (antimicrobial, anticoagulant, antibiotic, antifouling) within a single cohesive matrix, the coating achieves consistent composition and uniform structure while preserving the performance of each individual functional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by distributing different functional agents at specific locations within the monolithic nanostructure matrix. Each functional component is positioned and distributed throughout the single coating layer to provide its specific function while maintaining overall coating uniformity and structural integrity, rather than creating separate layered structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method improves osseointegration and significantly reduces bacterial adhesion, particularly for dental implants, by forming nanostructures that are smaller than bacteria, thereby preventing peri-implant diseases and ensuring long-term implant success.

Implementation Method 1

The monolithic nanostructure coating may be formed by a sol-gel process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSol-gel process:

Implementation Method 2

The sol-gel process is a wet-chemical method that transforms a liquid precursor solution into a solid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

The monolithic nanostructure coating may be formed by sputtering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSputtering: Sputtering

Implementation Method 4

The monolithic nanostructure coating may be formed by chemical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP4157378B1Formation of monolithic nanostructures on prosthetic devices
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIV
  • EP4157378B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2D
  • EP4157378B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP4157378B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for formation of monolithic nanostructures on an implantable device, the method comprising: a. depositing a metal film to a surface of the implantable device; b. heating the metal film for a period of time, such that the metal film transforms into multiple discrete nanoparticles, the multiple nanoparticles thereby forming an etch mask on said surface of the implantable device; c. etching the implantable device such that said surface of the implantable device is etched through the etch mask, thereby forming monolithic nanostructures in said surface of the implantable device; and d. (optionally) removing the etch mask, such as by immersion in an aqua regia solution.