Green Orthopedic Coating Technology for Diverse Implants: Low-Cost High-Performance Hydroxyapatite Coatings Through Innovative Biomineral Gels

Orthopedic implant surgery is particularly common in aging societies such as Hong Kong. Hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH) coatings on orthopedic implants play a pivotal role in enhancing biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and bone bonding properties. Current coating methods predominantly rely on complex techniques such as vapor deposition and electrochemical deposition, which necessitate complex equipment, complicated operation, and high cost. Furthermore, existing techniques are poorly adaptable to various substrate sizes, microarchitectures (e.g., porous structures due to the shadowing effect), and materials (e.g., electrodeposition only applies to metals), leading to compromised biocompatibility and bone bonding capability. In light of these challenges, this project aims to develop a facile and green aqueous-based method to produce high-quality coatings for orthopedic implants. Built upon our previous work, we will employ novel ceramic gels as precursors (Method for preparing ceramic materials, 17/454,846, US patent filed in 2021) to generate hydroxyapatite coatings with excellent biocompatibility and extremely low production costs. Notably, this novel method is particularly suitable for coating substrates of varying sizes, structures, and materials. This project will establish a convenient, green, and versatile technology to enable orthopedic implants with superior biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and bone cell adhesion capabilities at low cost.