VISTA ENGINEERING, INC.
Grant: $10,000 - National Institutes of Health - Jun. 3, 2009
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Award Description: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) usually represent a collection of medical and dental conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or the muscles of mastication, as well as contiguous tissue structures. For some patients with severe TMJ degeneration, a prosthetic replacement may be required. However, long-term success and functioning of current implant designs remains a serious problem due, in large part, to the deterioration of the implant and surrounding tissue resulting from wear debris. In this project, the UAB and Vista Engineering team will develop novel multilayer nanostructured diamond coatings with enhanced adhesion and wear properties for articulation components in TMJ devices. We will also develop commercialization potential through scale-up and TMJ wear testing. Our specific aims are as follows: Specific Aim 1: Develop nanotechnology for reducing friction and wear on the articulating, load-bearing components of TMJ metallic implants (condyle and fossa) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of an ultra-smooth diamond coating having a multilayer structure with alternating nano- and micro-structural layered components. We will investigate the pin-on-disk wear-resistance of these ultra-smooth coatings (intended for diamond-on-diamond articulation) as compared to single-layer diamond-on-diamond articulation or to the metal-on-polyethylene or metal-on-metal couples currently used in commercial TMJ devices. Specific Aim 2: Demonstrate the capability for scale-up using the commercial 30 kW CVD reactor at Vista Engineering. We will design and fabricate TMJ implant devices that have a multilayer nanostructured diamond coating for both condyle and fossa components. The successful outcome of this study will be an improved design for TMJ devices and coatings for hard-on-hard articulation. One benefit of the diamond-on-diamond components will be a reduction in overall device size that will ultimately allow for a clinically less-invasive route to joint restoration and longer implant lifetime in vivo. This project will lead to a phase-II application involving particulate reaction by implantation of articulating wear debris into a rat synovial-like air pouch, followed by implantation of the coated TMJ device into a minipig model. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: We propose the use of nanotechnology approaches for controlling interfaces between Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) implants and the surrounding tissues. It is estimated that more than 10 million people suffer from the TMJ-related disorder symptoms in the Unites States alone. The primary focus of this grant application is to improve the fixation, durability and osseointegration for long-term success of TMJ implants and lower the need for recurrent multiple surgical procedures. One benefit of the diamond-diamond components will be reductions in overall device size that will ultimately allow for a clinically less-invasive route to joint restoration and longer implant lifetime in vivo. We also propose a clear pathway for commercialization of the nanotechnology enabled TMJ prosthesis.
Project Description: The accomplishments of the grant were realized in two main categories: development and testing of multilayered nanostructured diamond coating and fabrication of newly designed TMJ prosthesis. These are significantly science and engineering technology tasks. The engineering assistants accomplished tasks related to these goals. The students? participation produced a net benefit in quality of results and reduction in total grant duration as discussed in the project description.
Jobs Summary: The grant facilitated the employment of undergraduate engineering students to work on technical tasks associated with the design, fabrication, and commercialization of nanotechnology for reducing friction and wear on the articulating, load-bearing components of TMJ metallic implants (condyle and fossa) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of an ultra-smooth diamond coating having a multilayer structure with alternating nano- and micro-structural layered components. (Total jobs reported: 2)
Project Status: Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jun. 3, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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