NITK researchers develop antimicrobial coating for orthopaedic implants

Mangaluru: Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal have developed an advanced bioactive, mechanically durable, and localised antimicrobial coating technology for orthopaedic implants, with particular application in hip and knee joint replacements. The patented innovation marks a significant milestone in indigenous biomedical engineering, and represents a major step forward in improving patient outcomes for millions of orthopaedic implant recipients across India and globally.Addressing the growing challenges of implant-associated infections, implant loosening, and suboptimal long-term performance of conventional implants, the team developed a durable bioactive and antimicrobial composite coating that can be directly applied onto implant surfaces using an optimised high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process. The coating is engineered to deliver localised antimicrobial protection while simultaneously improving the mechanical durability, wear resistance, coating adhesion, and bone integration of the implant. The enhanced osseointegration enables stronger bonding between bone and implant, while the antimicrobial functionality combats bacterial growth at the implant site, thereby substantially reducing the risk of post-surgical infections.Preclinical studies conducted by the research team demonstrated promising performance compared to conventional implants currently available in the market. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce the need for revision surgeries and improve long-term patient outcomes.The innovation has resulted in multiple international research publications, and the technology has been granted a patent. The technology was developed by Dr Sudhakar C Jambagi, associate professor, department of mechanical engineering, and his doctoral student Deep Shankar, who completed his PhD under the supervision of Jambagi, and has since gone on to found and lead the deep-tech startup established to commercialise this breakthrough technology. The team is currently working toward clinical translation and commercialisation of the technology, with the patented technology having been translated into a deep-tech startup founded to bring this solution to market.The innovation has been developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and is fully aligned with the govt of India’s vision of ‘Swastha Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’.