Nanowire Coating

University of Arkansas researchers have found a simple, inexpensive way to create a nanowire coating on the surface of biocompatible titanium that can be used to create more effective surfaces for hip replacement, dental reconstruction and vascular stenting. Further, the material can easily be sterilized using ultraviolet light and water or using ethanol, making it useful in hospital settings. The researchers used an alkali and heat to create titanium oxide-based ceramic nanowires that coat the surface of a titanium medical device. Reconstructive bone surgeries, such as hip replacements, use titanium implants. However, muscle tissue may not adhere well to titanium's smooth surface, causing the implant to fail after a decade or so and requiring the patient to undergo a second surgery. Researchers created a nanowire-coated joint and placed it in mice. After four weeks, the researchers found that tissue had adhered to the joint.