Coating Ti6Al4V implants with nanocrystalline diamond functionalized with BMP‑7 promotes extracellular matrix mineralization in vitro and faster osseointegration in vivo

This work presents interdisciplinary (collaboration with partner institutions in the field of biology and medical sciences) results presenting the successful deposition of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) layers on a cortical screw implant and the effect of surface functionalization of the NCD layer on human osteoblast maturation and extracellular matrix mineralization in vitro and on the formation of new bone tissue in vivo. Implants coated by nanocrystalline diamond, especially with further functionalization with bioactive molecules, such as BMP-7, provide significant added value and medical benefits in clinical applications such as orthopaedic or dental implants by promoting faster osseointegration resulting in better bone healing with the possibility of earlier loading, and by limiting allergic reactions to the metal by shielding it from the immune system.