Biomaterials and Functionalization treatments

Research focus

The Peer review has evaluated this group as Average

Research topic: Biomaterials, biological behaviour and clinical applications Biomaterials research activities were based on the study of processes involved in the interaction between the surface of implanted device and host tissues. Understanding such processes, that posses a fundamental influence on clinical performances of implantable devices, is a necessary tools for the development of innovative, more effective materials and functional surface treatments for medical applications. In order to increase the knowledge and the research possibilities of the group, a cell culture laboratory, equipped with molecular biology instrumentations, was set up (BioCell: Biocompatibility and cell culture laboratory) and new personnel with biochemistry skills was integrated in the group. The approach to biomaterials research was accordingly modified, and the knowledge in the field of material and biomaterial science was integrated with cell biology, biochemistry and, more recently, genetics competences. Such a novel approach has allowed developing a class of surface treatments with novel and improved functionalities. More specifically different research projects were carried out and related technologies were developed and exploited. Electrochemical treatments for titanium and titanium alloys surface modifications were investigated to develop specific treatments, capable of improving interface properties with biological host tissues. In this regard, anodic oxidation, anodic spark deposition and cathodic polarisation techniques have been studied with the aim of enanching biomaterial integration (e.g. with bone tissue). Osseointegration promoting tatmentes for orthopaedic and dental implants were developed, baseing on the incorporation of specific functionalities on material surfaces via Anodic Oxidation and Anodic Spark Deposition and by precipitation of calcium phosphates via cathodic polarisation. These treatments were further studied and modified for adding in antibacterial functionalities to surface films and coatings. Moreover, the effects of these treatments on material properties have been assessed not only in terms of biological responses, but also for mechanical (fatigue, tribology) electrochemical (corrosion resistance, ion release behaviour) and aesthetic (interference colours) properties. Cross-linking treatments of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene have been studied and developed, to reduce wear in artificial joints, e.g., in hip and knee prostheses. For this application, both definition of treatment parameters and characterization with specific tools (small punch, pin o disk tests, et cetera) have been investigated. More recently, immobilization of DNA oligomers on titanium surface by electrochemical techniques was also studied, to realize DNA arrays, drug delivery system and gene transfection systems. In 2004 a spin-off company was founded (NanoSurfaces) in order to commercialise the surface treatments developed by the research group, (BioSpark, TiHard, EcoTi, TiColor, BioRough, etc.) with major commercial potential; in 2006 NanoSurfaces income was about 0.4 M€, and a significant increment is foreseen for 2007. As an example, BioSpark osseoingrative treatment is today commercially utilized for dental implants by two companies and for orthopaedics prostheses by one company. TiHard antifretting and antigalling treatment is commercially exploited by Aston Martin. Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica “Giulio Natta” – Research Assessment Excercise 2003-2006 41 Research topic: Surface functionalization treatments and nanotechnologies As to the more recently introduced research line of materials functionalization for design, textiles and architecture, the activity was initiated with the development of surface modification of different substrates by means of nanotechnologies, mainly sol-gel and plasma. In this regard, several collaborations were started with different large companies like Artemide (photocatalitic lamps), Benetton (antipilling treatments), MAPEI (nanotechnologies for building and architecture), Abet Laminati (self cleaning and antipollution laminated panels). This research topic was started only in 2006, mostly thanks to the research activity of four permanent assistant professors recently enrolled, two of which are supported by industrial companies.

Dipartimento di afferenza

Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica

Docenti afferenti

Full Professors
Alberto Cigada
Associate Professors
Roberto Chiesa
MariaPia Pedeferri
Angelo Borroni
Assistant Professors
Luigi De Nardo
Lorenza Draghi
Carmen Giordano
Barbara Del Curto
Valentina Rognoli