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Technology Transfer from the University of Oxford

Licensing Opportunities

Better Bonding Between Tissue and Implants - Isis Project No 70512

Technology Source: Inova UNICAMP Innovation Agency unicamp logo

A process that improves the bonding between tissue and orthopedic/ odontological implants and prostheses.

Marketing Opportunity

Alumina is currently used in prosthetics and implants because of its hardness and mechanical resistance. The alumina is bioinert but not biocompatible, which means when implanted a fibrous tissues forms between alumina and the bone. When subjected to mechanical stress, this fibrous tissue causes displacement of the implant and reduces the lifetime of the implant, increasing the chances of a replacement being required.

The ideal solution is that the bone tissue grows directly over the implant or prosthesis, with minimal fibrous tissue. This occurs with biocompatible surfaces, improving the bone-implant interface when it is exposed to mechanical stress, and increasing the lifetime of the implant.

According to Consulting All Business D&B Company, the market for orthopedic products for implant, reconstruction and trauma applications will sales expected to $23 billion by the year 2012.

The Invention

A process has been developed to treat the surface of alumina to make it biocompatible to the human body.
The process is simple, fast, and low-cost which enables the treatment of Aluminium alloys used for implants.

  • The treatment eliminates the need to coat the prosthesis, as a biocompatible surface is formed;
  • The mechanical characteristics of alumina are preserved;
  • The surface treatment is cheaper than coating the implant;
  • This technology can be used for other materials.

Image of modified alumina

Prostheses Alumina
Surface Modification

Patent Status

This work is the subject of worldwide patent applications. Inova UNICAMP Innovation Agency would like to talk to companies interested in developing this commercial opportunity. Isis Innovation is working with Inova UNICAMP Innovation Agency to identify potential partners/licensees.

Request Further Information: Project Number 70512 - Better bonding between tissue and implants