Ideal-C, the start of a ZIM-funded project aimed at developing a new DLC coating system for implants
With increasing life expectancy and growing interest in physical activities, the number of bone injuries and fractures is steadily rising. For successful healing, implants are used to ensure stable fixation of the bone. These so-called osteosynthesis products must exhibit high mechanical stability, excellent aseptic properties, and controlled tissue integration to enable a complication-free healing process and easy removal after recovery.
In the research project “Ideal-C”, an innovative diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is being developed to enhance the performance of existing implants.
A key approach of the project is the combination of microstructuring and targeted doping. Finely structured surfaces support cell growth, while the incorporation of antimicrobial elements – such as silver or copper – reduces the risk of bacterial infections.
The developed coatings are designed to be transferable to various implant types, particularly those made from titanium substrate materials used in orthopedic and trauma surgery. The goal is to create a robust, biocompatible, and aseptically optimized surface that contributes to improved healing and enhanced patient safety. The “Ideal-C” project thus makes an important contribution to the advancement of modern medical technology. It establishes the foundation for new coating systems that combine mechanical stability, biological compatibility, and antimicrobial effectiveness within a comprehensive and integrated concept.