Project period: 08/01/2025 – 31/12/2026
Project number: PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-1086
Call: Research projects to stimulate independent young teams (TE), 5.2 Program - Human Resources, 5.2.1. Start of research
Funder: UEFISCDI, Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding, Romania
Coordinator: "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering
Abstract
In recent years, bone tissue engineering has been primarily concerned with finding new biomaterials with superior properties or improving the characteristics of those already on the market. Due to their excellent mechanical properties, high biocompatibility, and satisfactory corrosion resistance, titanium and its alloys are usually recognized as the predominant materials for implants. However, the titanium surface is bioinert, which makes it difficult to actively regulate bone healing processes in the early stages of implantation. In addition, Ti implants are exposed to surface corrosion and wear, which can lead to implant failure. The general objective of the PHO-TIM project is to improve the biological response of Ti implants by depositing on their surface phosphate layers based on Zn-Ca-Mg, Zn-Ca-Zr, and Zn-Mg-Zr through chemical conversion. These layers will improve the corrosion and wear resistance of the titanium alloy implants, as well as promote osseointegration and biocompatibility. Thus, the project includes activities to obtain and characterize phosphate layers deposited by phosphating on titanium alloy surfaces, as well as their validation for biomedical applications. The PHO-TIM project aims to eliminate the disadvantages of titanium implants by having a substantial impact on the patient's healing time and decreasing the risk of implant failure.
Abstract in Romanian
In ultimii ani, ingineria tesutului osos s-a preocupat in primul rand de gasirea de noi biomateriale cu proprietati superioare sau de imbunatatirea caracteristicilor celor deja existente pe piata. Datorita proprietatilor lor mecanice excelente, a biocompatibilitatii ridicate si a rezistentei satisfacatoare la coroziune, titanul si aliajele sale sunt de obicei recunoscute ca fiind materialele predominante pentru implanturi. Cu toate acestea, suprafata titanului este bioinerta, ceea ce face dificila reglarea activa a proceselor de vindecare a oaselor in stadiile incipiente ale implantarii. In plus, implanturile Ti sunt expuse la coroziunea suprafetei si la uzura, ceea ce poate duce la esecul implantului. Obiectivul general al proiectului Pho-Tim este de a imbunatati raspunsul biologic al implanturilor de Ti prin depunerea prin conversie chimica de straturilor de fosfat pe baza de Zn-Ca-Mg, Zn-Ca-Zr si Zn-Mg-Zr, pe suprafata acestora. Aceste straturi vor imbunatati rezistenta la coroziune si uzura a implanturilor din aliaj de titan, precum si vor promova osteointegrarea si biocompatibilitatea. Proiectul include activitati de obtinere si caracterizare a straturilor de fosfat depuse prin fosfatare pe suprafete din aliaje de titan, precum si validarea acestora pentru aplicatii biomedicale. Proiectul Pho-Tim isi propune sa elimine dezavantajele implanturilor de titan, avand un impact substantial asupra timpului de vindecare al pacientului si scaderea riscului de esec al implantului.
Socio-economic Impact
Currently, there is a high demand in the biomedical field for developing new technologies and methods to improve the biological response of titanium alloys. Therefore, this research is of major importance because the obtained layers are suitable for any type of titanium alloy and have a substantial impact on patient recovery times. Thus, the project's scientific, technological, and economic impact is significant. Pho-Tim proposes eliminating the disadvantages of titanium implants at low cost by depositing phosphate layers via a chemical conversion process. These biocompatible layers will give the material the necessary characteristics to respond to the immune system and promote osseointegration and implant biocompatibility. Additionally, the economic impact will be significant, as the orthopedic implant market was worth 46.5 billion dollars in 2018 and is expected to reach 64 billion dollars by 2026. Another social impact will be a decrease in implant failure and in invalidities and deaths caused by side effects (such as infections or inflammatory reactions).
Cognitive Impact
The project aims to improve the osseointegration properties of titanium implants by depositing phosphate layers obtained through chemical conversion and has a high cognitive impact through its contribution to expanding knowledge in the field of functional modification of titanium alloy surfaces. The research clarifies the relationships between process parameters, the structure and composition of phosphate layers, and their chemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility properties. By using modern characterization methods and an interdisciplinary approach, the project generates validated and transferable scientific knowledge, strengthens the research team's competencies, and provides a solid conceptual framework for the future development of biofunctional titanium-based implants.