Design, development and validation of a tunable antibacterial coating for spinal implants: Focus on biological performances through the NSERC-FRQNT NOVA Complement.

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Back pains are considered as the main cause of invalidity worldwide (Population Health Worldwide Statistic, 2018), which include minor disturbs (dorsal sprains) to normal wear of intervertebral discs or sciatic. Arthroses, as a disc degeneration, and osteoporosis, constitute the main cause of these clinical complications. Often treated early by manipulations, when the diseases progress, surgeries are which include the implantation of a rachis implant. Directly implanted into spine, evident challenges and clinical risks represent major factor to control for the success. These implants, made of Ti and its alloys for guaranteeing robust mechanical properties, are expected to reinforce and improve the stability of the vertebral columns, for example by promoting the fusion of two adjacent vertebras, or in replacing the natural disc. Unhappily, despite major progresses over the last decades, and the large use of potent antibiotics, up to 18% of the patients report a post-operatory infection at short or long term. Handicaps, pains and morbidity are only few of the complications resulting from infections. Moreover, the economic burden for the health system is tremendous, and estimated up to 900 k$ for each implant affected by infection. This project aims to prevent short (hours) and long (months) term infections. By combining the innovative advances in material science, nanostructured materials and biodegradable polymer coatings to develop controlled drug delivery of suitable elements allowing to counter effects the above mentioned infections in spinal implants. The expected results include the integration of the materials directly into bone, the limitation of inflammation, and to avoid the development of infection at short and medium terms, minutes to weeks after the implantations. Through this application to NSERC, we are proposing to complement this research (already funded by the FRQNT Team - Mantovani/Naccache at ULaval/Concordia from May 2020 to April 2023) with a study focused on the specific biological performance assessment by including Dr Fabio Variola team, from U of Ottawa.