Could diamond coatings provide a better osseo-interface for 3D-printed titanium implants?

For an implant to provide a strong solution as a replacement part, it is essential to bind strongly to the bone to which the implant is aligned. While titanium offers good osseointegration and corrosion resistance, it doesn't bond directly with bone due to its surface oxide layer which leaves a gap between the implant and the surrounding bone. In this study we investigate the enhancement of osseointegration in 3D-printed titanium implants using a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) coating. PCD coating aims to improve biocompatibility and bone integration. PCD coating of implants resulted in a microroughened surface (R_a 27 μm vs 23 μm for titanium) with nanofeatures resulting in a hydrophilic surface. In rabbit models, PCD-coated titanium implants showed improved bone response compared to titanium with superior bone in contact with the implant reflected by a 190N push out force (vs titanium at 155N, p < 0.5) needed to remove the implant from the bone. Our findings provide crucial insights into the interactions at the bone-implant interface, suggesting that PCD-coated titanium implants could significantly improve orthopaedic outcomes by promoting better integration and reducing infection risks.