Daniel Christa

Bachelor Student

Surface modification of metallic biomaterials by zein – bioactive glass coatings

Betreuer: Laura Ramos Rivera, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

One essential problem in the implantology is the appearance of infections caused by bacterial adhesion on the implant surface, which can lead to poor wound healing or, in serious cases, to rejection of the implant. This project focuses on the development of a bioactive and antibacterial coating for stainless steel (316 L), consisting of Copper doped bioactive glass and the natural protein zein, expanding from a previous study at the FAU Institute of Biomaterials [1]. The properties of the new coatings will be investigated by a range of techniques.  Generally, surface characterization and mechanical testing of the layers followed by bioactivity and degradation studies after immersion in simulated body fluid will be carried out.

[1]       Meyer, N. et al. Bioactive and antibacterial coatings based on zein/bioactive glass composites by electrophoretic deposition. Coatings 8, (2018) 27.