Nanocoatings for preventing orthopaedic implant–associated bacterial infections

The Research department of the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital is determined to conduct more extensive research studies on modification of materials for orthopaedic implants. The starting research in the newly founded Research laboratory shall include basic and applied studies which results shall be potentially considered and eventually implemented in daily clinical practice of Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital. With an accurate inspection of the emerging medical needs in the field of orthopaedics we envisaged the urgent need to provide a long-term protection for orthopaedic prostheses. By means of using nano-engineering approaches for the functionalization of orthopaedic implant surfaces with suitable antimicrobial agents, it is possible to protect orthopaedic implants against harmful bacteria, which trigger the initiation of implantassociated bacterial infection. As the implant-associated bacterial infection can affect the longevity of the prosthesis, thus, the scientific and financial efforts, with the help of the project Trans2care, will be focused substantially on the design and fabrication of protective antibacterial coatings for orthopaedic implants

Inhibitory effects of chitosan coating against biofilm formation on metal implants

An effective approach to combat bacteria adhesion onto metallic implants surface is to functionalize the biomaterial surface such that bacterial growth could be impaired or the bacteria are killed upon contact with the surfaces. In the recent years, a majority of the research in material science has been devoted to modification or functionalization of implant surfaces with composite coatings with bactericidal capability such as polymeric coatings. For instance, chitosan (CH) is a polycationic polysaccharide which antibacterial properties and osteoblast function-enhancing nature has received substantial interest. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of different chitosan-coated metals, routinely used in orthopaedics, on the survival of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. The results clearly showed that survival of attached bacteria onto metals functionalized with chitosan was lower when compared to bacterial survival determined on the surface of unmodified metals. Moreover, chitosan coating caused bacterial cells to lose their regular spherical shape. Thus, the results proved that chitosan could be used as alternative material for the preparation of antimicrobial coatings for implants

Effect of anodization on the surface characteristics and electrochemical behaviour of zirconium in artificial saliva

The paper is focused on elaboration of ZrO2 films on pure zirconium via anodizing inphosphoric acid with and without fluoride at constant potentials of 30 V and 60 V. Thestructure and composition of the films were investigated using scanning electronicmicroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The composition ofthe oxides formed at both potentials can be identified as monoclinic ZrO2. In addition to Zrand O, the layers formed in phosphoric acid contain phosphorus originating from thephosphoric acid. When the phosphoric acid solution contains NaF, fluorine is alsoincorporated into the oxide layer. The oxides formed at a higher voltage have greaterroughness than those formed at 30 V. Anodized samples exhibit smaller current densitiesduring anodic polarization compared to the as-received zirconium covered with native oxide.Fil: Romonti, Daniela E.. Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; RumaniaFil: Gomez Sanchez, Andrea Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Milošev, Ingrid. Jožef Stefan Institute; EsloveniaFil: Demetrescu, Ioana. Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science; RumaniaFil: Ceré, Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; Argentin

Mechanical, biological, material and clinical aspects of performance of joint prostheses

At the Research department at the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital the surgeons and researchers are joined in an interdisciplinary team which performs research work and activities directed to the understanding of prosthesis performance from several aspects including mechanical, biological, material and clinical aspects. Studies are largely based on the hospital’s Arthroplasty Register which represents a valuable source of information for data-based analysis of arthroplasty treatments. Our register is special in that it includes the implant retrieval program for explanted prosthetic components and periprosthetic tissue samples. Research is versatile and interdisciplinary, and is a challenge for young researchers searching for new knowledge and scientific results

Pathophysiological mechanisms of joint implant loosening

Overthe past half-century, there have been many advances in the design, construction, and implantation of joint prostheses, resulting in a high percentage of successful long-term outcomes. One of the most common concerns of both patients and physicians is the problem of joint replacements becoming loose over time. Causes of failure include infections, aseptic loosening, dislocations, and fracture of the prosthesis or bone. Multidisciplinary research team studies are needed for an improvement in understanding in pathophysiological mechanisms of joint implant loosening and failure, which is the key point to improve implant survival and to minimize revisions