Advantages
- Combines high mechanical strength with bioelectric functionality in a single ceramic material
- Enables self-powered operation by harvesting energy from physiological motion
- Maintains long-term durability suitable for load-bearing implant applications
- Supports biocompatibility and favorable cell interaction for medical use
- Tunable composition balances electrical performance and structural robustness
Summary
Implantable medical devices increasingly require materials that are both mechanically robust and functionally active. Existing implant materials typically prioritize strength and durability but lack intrinsic electrical functionality, while bioelectric materials often suffer from brittleness and limited load-bearing capability. This tradeoff restricts the development of smart implants that can actively interact with biological systems while maintaining long-term structural reliability.
This technology integrates barium titanate and yttria-stabilized zirconia into a hybrid bioceramic that delivers both mechanical reinforcement and bioelectric stimulation. The material preserves the functional properties of each component, enabling energy harvesting from natural body movements while maintaining high fracture toughness. The result is a multifunctional platform well-suited for smart orthopedic, dental, and implantable medical devices.
Figure 1. Evolution of BTO-YSZ hybrid bioceramic: (a) surface morphology, (b) segregation of BTO and YSZ
Figure 2. Hybrid bioceramic: a synergistic platform for structural reinforcement and bioelectric stimulation for smart implantable medical devices
Desired Partnerships
- License
- Sponsored Research
- Co-Development