BERTI; Biomedical implant with Exceptional Resistance to Tribo-bio-corrosion and with Inherent antimicrobial properties

The objective of project BERTI (Biomedical implant with Exceptional Resistance to Tribo-bio-corrosion and with Inherent antimicrobial properties) is to develop an innovative joint replacement with a coating that minimises polyethylene and metal wear debris, prevents metal ion release and promotes the release of antimicrobial agents. The project will determine a method that establishes drivers for the detrimental responses to wear debris observed in patients. This information will be used to optimise a recently develop physical-vapour deposition coating that minimises wear and tribo-bio-corrosion while delivering an antimicrobial agent. In addition, the project will establish a test for patient susceptibility to ions release from implants. This will help identify patient cohorts who would benefit most from the novel coated implants, and will deliver to them, and to the wider population, a world-leading joint replacement with exceptional biocompatibility, longevity and antimicrobial properties. Project BERTI will ultimately increase the longevity of orthopaedic implants, reducing the number of revision surgeries, benefiting the UK and wider economy, and the patient.