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The selective laser melting process, commonly known as laser‐based powder bed fusion (LB‐PBF), enables the production of structures with unprecedented degrees of freedom that represents an excellent condition for development of metallic implants for biomedical applications. Herein, the effects of laser energy density on relative density and microstructure (presence of internal defects) of cp‐TiGd2 fabricated by LB‐PBF are studied. Additionally, the influence of printing orientation and different surface treatments on surface topography and biocompatibility are investigated. The aim of the research is to develop additive manufacturing process parameters that can achieve full density of cp‐TiGd2 with satisfactory biocompatibility, as a low‐cost alternative to biomedical materials such as Ti–6Al–4 V and Ti–6Al–7Nb. A wide range variation of process parameters leads to an optimized process with high density up to 99.97 ± 0.008%, improved surface roughness, and noncytotoxicity in horizontal and inclined as‐built condition, as well as in Al2O3 (blasting angle 0°) condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functionalization of biomaterials for implants becomes increasingly important for designing bioinert and bioactive surfaces to reduce the impact of implantation to human body (inflammation, encapsulation) and extend the lifetime of implants. Even pharmacological effects can be triggered by nanomaterials like thin films and nanoparticles in medical treatment. However, the systematic knowledge of the interactions between cells and artificial, inorganic materials is poor yet. Finding the decisive influences for high hemocompatibility or osseointegration is very difficult. Surface chemistry including wetting behaviour, surface charge, homogeneity and functional groups as well as surface topography are some of the fundamental surface parameters defining the cell–surface interaction. Focusing on physical and chemical vapour deposited thin films and coatings, this review will provide for a better understanding of biocompatible coating materials like titanium- and carbon-based compounds and calcium phosphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to high bonding between bone and implant, suppressing bacterial infection at the implant site is an extremely high surgical request. For spinal implants the effects of infection can be much worse due to risks for the patient by nerve damage resulting in paralysis. The main problem of nosocomial multiresistant bacteria is connected to biofilm formation, which efficiently protects against infiltration of pharmaceutical antibiotic drugs. In such a case, a fast revision surgery for exchange of the implant is mandatory, because osseointegration is stopped by bacterial endotoxins. Mostly silver is used on the market, possessing a wide spectra of anti -microbial activity for the majority of nosocomial bacteria and viruses at very low ppb concentration by destroying their cell walls. In this study, it is aimed to improve the antibacterial behavior of PEEK implants by developing a layered, biofunctional coating which consists of titanium as a stiff and osteoconductive base layer, magnesium as bioresorbable intermediate layer to increase the bioactivity and silver as an antibacterial top layer. Platinum is doped to silver to increase the release of silver. XRD, SEM/EDS and AFM, ultra-micro hardness indentation test and immersion tests are carried out to identify the coating properties. In order to clarify the release mechanism, electrochemical tests are also performed. Results reveal that doping Pt increases the mechanical properties of the coating whereas it decreases the release of silver by enhancing its passivation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]