Ti-Ta-Cu alloys for Implants

Unmet Need: Improved production methods and alloy materials for biological implants

The growing need for implants is increasing with an aging national population, and an increase in the use of implants to treat a younger and younger range of patients. With the increased need for implants there is also a need for higher strength and affordable implants that resist bacterial growth, while promoting bone adhesion. Through the use of 3-Dimensional printing and other forms of additive manufacturing custom implants can be made of high strength materials. This technology addresses the need for novel alloys to be used in biological implants, created through 3D printing or additive manufacturing.

The Technology: Novel Alloys for Biological Implants and Methods of Manufacture

Inventors have developed a novel alloy of metals that is different than the common use of only titanium and aluminum components to enhance the strength of implant materials. The alloys allow for increased strength and durability while not greatly increasing the overall cost of the base alloy. The alloys also exhibit inherent properties that resist the growth and attachment of microbes. This technology also discloses a process by which unique tailored implants can be manufactured using the novel alloys through the use of 3D printing or additive manufacturing.

Applications:

• Biological Implants: including but not limited to the use of biological implants as hips, knees, dental, spinal, and craniomaxillofacial implants
• Custom implant manufacturing for patient specific needs

Advantages:

• Increased strength of alloys
• Decreased cost compared to other alloys of similar strength
•  Inherent antimicrobial activity
• Adaptable manufacturing for patient specific needs

Patent Information:

Provisional patent application filed