In hip joint replacement implants, the articulation between the femoral head and the acetabular cup in a biological environment results in wear and corrosion. This is also termed as tribocorrosion and decreases the implant's performance and durability. Ongoing postgraduate and doctoral studies are focusing on the surface optimisation of biomedical orthopaedic alloys. This is done through the design of novel surface engineering treatments, by combining high-power impulse magnetron sputtering physical vapour deposition coatings (HiPIMS PVD) and low temperature carburising, to create a multifunctional system. The use of a multifunction tribometer and a hip simulator allows the research team to test these newly designed surfaces in more realistic scenarios. This helps to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo testing.
Clinically, trauma patients often require the implantation of porous implants known as scaffolds, in order to stimulate the healing of persisting fractures or other sizeable bone defects. Current research within the department is addressing the issues presented by existing bone scaffolds on the market, through the development and study of Fe-Mn-Ag porous structures. Researchers working on the BioSA project are making use of powder metallurgy techniques for the fabrication of Fe-based foams with customisable geometry. Moreover, the use of the ternary alloy system is expected to contribute to the achievement of adequate mechanical and corrosion behaviour for load-bearing orthopaedic systems. BioSA is financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology, for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology, through the FUSION: R&I Technology Development Programme (R&I-2017-037T).
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The lifespan of a prosthetic hip joint is mainly limited by wear-related complications. The MaltaHIP project developed a novel prosthesis design based on three cylindrical articulations instead of the traditional ball-and-socket joint. The advantage of this design was confirmed by rigorous testing in a mechanical hip joint simulator, showing low levels of wear and excellent stability. The MALTAHIP project was funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through FUSION: The R&I Technology Development Programme 2016 (R&I-2015-023T).
The MaltaHIP-II project aims to enhance the commercial viability of the MaltaHIP prosthesis by expanding the size range in which it can be offered. Initially created as a medium-size prosthesis, our challenge now is to reduce it to the smallest size in the standard range, keeping the mechanical stresses in all components at safe levels. The MaltaHIP-II project is funded by the Transdisciplinary Research and Knowledge Exchange Complex (TRAKE), co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020.
Disease or trauma affecting the peripheral nervous system may result in debilitating conditions such as impaired motor function. Neural electrodes are typically employed as part of a chronically implanted device to counter these effects and operate by delivering coulombic charge to stimulate the target nerves. Corrosion, high impedance, and biofouling are common problems associated with these electrodes. An ongoing project, in association with the Department of Anatomy, deals with the development of novel, multi-component coatings designed to improve electrode performance by optimizing their electrical properties, minimizing electrochemical attack, and preventing fibrous encapsulation.
The OsteoMag-3D project is an international collaboration between Malta and China focused on developing biodegradable magnesium-based scaffolds for advanced bone repair. Aimed at addressing the growing healthcare needs of aging populations, the project explores innovative additive manufacturing and surface engineering techniques to produce load-bearing implants that promote natural bone regeneration while safely degrading in the body. By combining expertise in materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical research, OsteoMag-3D seeks to create safer, more effective alternatives to permanent implants. Project OsteoMag-3D received funding from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST) and Xjenza Malta, through the SINO-MALTA Fund 2024 Call (Science and Technology Cooperation).
