Unmet Need
- Local, sustained release from implants can reduce systemic dosing and side effects, yet most approaches rely on coatings which often fail to maintain mechanical uniformity and strength over time, are complex to form and limited in drug choice.
- Immobilizing active compounds directly on metal object is extremely challenging and the options are either use of coatings or pre-designed grooves.
Our Innovation
- A simple, low-cost acid treatment creates controllable nanopores on common metals (e.g., titanium, aluminum, gold) over large, irregular surfaces.
- The pores act as reservoirs that can be loaded with polymeric nanoparticles carrying drugs, fragrances, or anti-corrosion agents for slow, sustained release.
- Demonstrated on a 3D-printed titanium prototype with gradual payload release; platform is readily adaptable to drug-eluting medical implants.
Advantages
- Post-manufacturing application on existing, standard metal products—no redesign of the base device.
- Precise control over surface architecture (pore size/density) to tune release kinetics.
- Broad payload compatibility via nanoparticle loading (not surface grafting), overcoming common limits of coatings.
- Durable, conformal treatment for complex geometries and large areas.
- Cost-effective vs. vapor deposition, laser patterning, or electrochemical etching.
- Versatility in drug or active components including hydrophobic and lipophilic compounds.
Applications
- Healthcare: drug-eluting stents, orthopedic screws, dental implants—designed to address limitations seen with some earlier drug-eluting coating approaches by enabling tunable, localized release.
- Industrial: anti-corrosion release layers on metal infrastructure.
- Consumer/Jewelry: fragrance-releasing metals; rust-prevention concepts via inhibitor release.
Commercial Opportunity
- We are seeking collaboration with:
- Medical device companies (cardiovascular, orthopedic, dental) to integrate smart-porous surfaces into next-gen implants.
- Materials and surface-finishing partners to scale and validate GMP-compatible processes.
- Industrial coatings and consumer goods firms for anti-corrosion and fragrance-release use cases.
Contact in Yissum: Ariela Markel
