Background

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of visits to hospitals and responsible for 63% of deaths in those over the age of 85. They are also the second most common cause of disability and afflict more than 100 million people each year and cost the healthcare system in excess of $300 billion per year. While joint replacement provides the ability for many to return to work and live a healthy lifestyle, the implanted devices are plagued with infection, inflammatory destruction of healthy tissues and bone as well as limited durability. Hence, there is an unmet medical need for new technologies that can improve existing implant surfaces to reduce complications and revision surgeries to patients, along with limiting the financial burden to the healthcare system.

Technology Overview

This invention describes the use of nanoscale diamond particles to coat implants for decreasing inflammation, infection and wear of the implant (). Nanodiamonds can be used to coat existing implants before surgery or injected into the patient using biocompatible carriers after surgery.

Pre-clinical data using the nanodiamonds on bare titanium implants demonstrate the ability of the technology to reduce bacterial growth, inflammation with healthy cells and wear. These data reveal the potential for the technology to be used as a coating to improve the longevity and biocompatibility of artificial joint implants.

Benefits

Improves long-term wear of titanium implants
Prevents bacterial growth
Limits toxicity to normal cells involved in healthy bone growth
Potential use with metallic and non-metallic materials

Antibacterial Nanodiamonds for Implant Lubrication

Patents

IP Status

Seeking