A key ceramic nanocomposite patent for next generation long lasting implants

(Nanowerk News) Bio-ceramics (alumina and zirconia based ceramics) are widely used as femoral heads in total hip replacements (THR) as an alternative to metal devices. Unfortunately, the orthopaedic community reports significant in-vivo failures.
The novel material developed by the Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN) is an alumina–zirconia nano-composite that features toughness values higher than 9 MPa.m1/2 and high resistance to crack propagation, due to a much higher stress intensity factor threshold (KI0) than that exhibited by the alumina-zirconia materials known so far. This combination of properties makes the material more reliable than currently-known ceramics and will allow for a prostheses lifetime of over 70 years, thus preventing the need for revision surgeries.
Femoral heads and acetabular cup made of novel ceramic nanocomposite
Femoral heads and acetabular cup made of novel ceramic nanocomposite.
The patent, granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has been licensed to the Spanish company Nanoker Research SL. Both the CINN and Nanoker are currently investigating the application of glass-based anti-bacterial coatings on ceramic implants in order to avoid the risk of surgical-site infections, which currently occur in about 1% of arthroplasty surgeries and lead to revision procedures associated with longer operating and hospitalization times, greater blood loss, more frequent complications and a higher total hospital cost when compared with primary arthroplasties or revisions due to aseptic loosening.
“We expect the prosthetic industry to take advantage of these novel materials and bring them to the market within 3-5 years in order to improve patient quality of life” said Samuel Menéndez, CEO of Nanoker Research S.L.
About the Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN)
The CINN is a joint research center created in 2007 as an institutional joint initiative between the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), the Government of Asturias and the University of Oviedo. CINN’s research is focused on the creation, characterization and understanding of the behavior of new multifunctional materials on the nano, micro and macro scales, it targets 4 application fields:
  • – Energy
  • – Health
  • – Homeland Security and Defense
  • – Information and Communication Technologies
  • About Nanoker Research S.L
    Nanoker Research is a technology-based company that manufactures and markets high performance ceramic components based on advanced ceramics, nanoceramics and nanocomposites for biomedical and industrial applications. The company also conducts research aimed at developing new products for companies in different sectors.
    Source: CINN