Description
Medical titanium implants have become an indispensable part of modern medicine, used in orthopedics, dentistry, and other fields. However, one of the main problems after implant placement is bacterial colonization on its surface. Microorganisms can adhere to the implant, form biofilms, and cause infections, complicating treatment and sometimes even requiring implant removal.
The LASANTI project offers an innovative solution to this problem – a special surface treatment technology for titanium implants based on nanosecond laser processing. Using precise laser pulses, special micro- and nanostructures are created on the titanium surface. These structures significantly alter the surface properties while also causing changes in the material's chemical composition.
Such structured surfaces affect bacteria on both a physical and chemical level. During laser processing, micro- and nanostructures are formed on the surface of the titanium implant, which mechanically impede the ability of microorganisms to adhere to the material. Simultaneously, the surface treatment also causes changes in chemical composition, including the formation of a titanium dioxide layer. The combination of these factors reduces bacterial adhesion and inhibits biofilm formation. Importantly, this effect is achieved without the use of additional chemical coatings or antibiotics, relying solely on controlled surface structures and laser-induced chemical changes.
LASANTi demonstrates how modern laser technology and materials science can help create safer medical implants, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient treatment outcomes. The technology is being experimentally tested in collaboration with Riga Stradins University.
The Achievable Results
The project's objective is to validate a laser-based processing method for producing antibacterial titanium surfaces. The project aims to demonstrate that laser-structured titanium can reliably reduce bacterial colonization under standardized laboratory conditions. By evaluating the process in terms of reproducibility, scalability, and suitability for industrial integration, the project will determine the potential of this technology for future applications in medical implants, particularly hip and knee prostheses.
The Anticipated Benefit
The developed technology can significantly reduce bacterial colonization on the surfaces of medical implants, thereby lowering the risk of implant-associated infections. This can reduce the need for repeat surgeries, limit antibiotic use, and decrease healthcare costs. As a result, patient treatment outcomes and quality of life can be significantly improved. Furthermore, the chemically neutral laser treatment method promotes the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly medical technologies.