Micro-scale geometrically and metallurgically adapted surface structures of implants for the defined stimulation of the osteogenic differentiation

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Horst Fischer; Professor Dr.-Ing. Uwe Reisgen
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Biomaterials ; Production Automation and Assembly Technology
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 341161542

Metal implants for orthopedic applications have been in use for a long time. Improvements of the osseointegration behavior by surface-changing processes, such as sand blasting or etching, were so far only obtained in empirical studies. It is not yet completely understood which surface chemistry and structure can support the initial cell-implant response. This interdisciplinary research project has the aim to systematically investigate the specific mechanisms of the cellular response to (metallurgically changed) surfaces which were subjected to defined microstructures by the electron beam and alloyed up/leached with filler material. Particularly interesting is the alloying up of pure titanium on Ti6Al4V-substrates in a locally selective manner. In doing so, the response of bone-forming cells on the microstructures shall be investigated in vitro qualitatively and quantitatively and the correlation of the type of microstructuring and alloy shall be analyzed. Further, it shall be investigated how the known structuring process 'SurfiSculpt' - expanded by the simultaneous changeability of the chemical composition of the surface - can be transferred to the micro-scale dimension. Particularly the local alloy composition of the microstructured surface is investigated so that the differentiation behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells to bone-forming cells can be controlled. Research results will be additional knowledge about the cellular response on metal surfaces and the determination of the positive effect of geometrical and metallurgical surface modifications on implants.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants