How to get the best hydroxyapatite coatings
At Biovac we master the three techniques that plasma coating allows us. One of these variants is the one offered by hydroxyapatite, a procedure that has ceased to be a trend to become a reality thanks to the way in which it is absorbed by the bone until it disappears.
But the hydroxyapatite coating goes far beyond its ability to motivate bone to feed on it and thus rapidly grow through the porosity (or through whatever other surface there is for bone to grasp).
We are talking about a technique whose materials and ingredients are biocompatible, bioactive, bioresorbable and osteoconductive.
The sum of all its capabilities turned this type of coating into a perfect stimulator for the interaction between the implant and the bone itself. In other words, an excellent way to speed up the integration of the prosthesis and, therefore, the quality of life of the implanted person.
What are hydroxyapatite coatings like?
Hydroxyapatite coatings began to be used at the end of the 1980s, so we are at an ideal point of maturity in the application of this technique in which Biovac is a specialist.
Applying hydroxyapatite coatings on joint prostheses is synonymous with acceleration in the bone formation process. Because?
First of all, because the hydroxyapatite coatings are formed by a calcium phosphate very similar to that which already exists in human bone thanks to the combination of elements such as calcium and phosphorus.
The calcium phosphate that we impregnate in this type of coating achieves this rate of acceleration. And it does so thanks to cell signaling processes and the adsorption of extracellular matrix proteins. From there, a process of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts occurs.
But there is still more, because hydroxyapatite coatings work as if it were an anti-corrosion shield. Thanks to its bioactive effects, the release of ions is reduced and, therefore, the risk of corrosion in the implant is reduced.
In short, the hydroxyapatite plasma coating stands out for the following advantages:
- Increased wear resistance
- High hardness and fixation.
- Good antibacterial properties.
- Low coefficient of friction.
- Promotes osseointegration.
The points needed to perfect hydroxyapatite coatings
Given such a magnitude of benefits, it is logical to consider the manufacturing process of hydroxyapatite coatings as a kind of challenge. And to some extent it is. Biovac has a group of professionals in the sector responsible for coating some 500,000 implants for leading companies in Europe, Oceania, Asia and South America.
In these more than three decades of experience, we have mastered and perfected hydroxyapatite coatings through the following keys:
- Quality control: We are not only talking about the quality of the apatite itself, the base material with which hydroxyapatite is obtained. We are also referring to a process that has the obligation to guarantee that neither the purity nor the homogeneity of the material with which it works is lost.
- Deposition method: Spraying, electrodeposition and sol-gel. These are the three methods with which we can deposit hydroxyapatite on a material. Here comes into play the level of knowledge of the professionals in charge. In addition, it is that depending on the needs and characteristics of the material to be covered, it will be necessary to bet on one of the three methods.
- Deposition speed and temperature control: Again, only a company like Biovac can reach this level of perfectionism. When speed and temperature become precise formulas, the team of professionals becomes more important. Poor speed calibration will affect coating uniformity. For its part, increasing the degrees more will be synonymous with decomposition.
- The use of additives: In order to optimize certain biological properties of the coating, we will use certain additives. For example, collagen or alpha-crystalline.
- Control of the thickness and hardness of the coating: Finally, and to guarantee the effectiveness of the coating, we return to control. In this case, that of two vital factors, such as the thickness and hardness of the coating.
Do you need more info?
Contact us if you have any questions or want more information about porous coatings. 360º, personal and exclusive attention.
