Keywords
1. Electrodeposition
2. Medical Implants
3. Polyaniline
4. Ginseng Coating
5. PLGA Microcapsules
In a breakthrough that could revolutionize the field of medical implants, researchers have successfully developed a new coating technique that offers potential benefits for drug delivery and the improved integration of implants within the body. A study published in the ‘Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin’ details the innovative use of electrodeposition to create a coating of ginseng-encapsulated microcapsules made from biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) on the surface of medical-grade stainless steel 316L – a common material for biomedical implants.
The study was conducted at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia with the participation of researchers Siti Khadijah Lukman, Rania Hussein Al-Ashwal, Naznin Sultana, and Syafiqah Saidin from the IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Centre.
A New Approach to Implant Coatings
Traditionally, electrodeposition has been used to deposit ceramic or metal coatings on various surfaces, including medical implants. However, the encapsulation of drugs within polymer microcapsules designed for electrodeposition brings about a new dimension to this well-established technique. This latest development is focused on harnessing the chemical and biological properties provided by the ginseng encapsulation, which is widely recognized for its therapeutic effects.
The fabrication process involves incorporating polyaniline (PANI) within the PLGA microcapsules to drive the formation of the microcapsule coating. Polyaniline is a conductive polymer that can facilitate the electrodeposition process.
Optimizing Electrodeposition Parameters
Crucial to the success of this technique is the optimization of electrodeposition parameters, including current density and deposition time. The study varied the current density from 1-3 mA and deposition time from 20-60 seconds, revealing that the best results were obtained at a current density of 2 mA and a deposition time of 40 seconds. This specific parameter combination resulted in the formation of uniform coatings with low wettability – ideal characteristics for a medical implant surface.
By contrast, variations leading to the reduction of either the current density or the deposition time resulted in less attachment of microcapsules and higher wettability. On the other side, increasing these parameters excessively generated debris and melted microcapsules, with non-uniform wettability properties.
In a telling observation, researchers noted that the color of the electrolytes changed from milky white to dark yellow as the current density and deposition time increased, indicating the alterations occurring during the electrodeposition process.
Characterization and Implications
Going beyond mere observation, the study employed attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle analyses to characterize the chemical composition, morphology, and wettability of the microcapsule coatings.
The findings suggest that careful calibration of the deposition parameters is essential to achieve a uniform microcapsule coating. This uniformity is likely to play a critical role in ensuring the controlled release of the encapsulated ginseng, which could have significant implications for post-surgical recovery and the long-term integration of implants.
The research points to the potential of this electrodeposition approach to improve the functionality and compatibility of biomedical implants. By providing a controlled release mechanism for therapeutic agents and creating a surface that can promote better integration with the body’s tissue, this method could lead to better outcomes for patients requiring medical implants.
This study’s findings also contribute to the growing body of knowledge on bioactive coating materials and the continuous search for advanced biomedical solutions that can cater to specific medical needs.
Future Directions and Potential Applications
The success of ginseng/PANI encapsulated PLGA microcapsules as a coating for SS316L through electrodeposition opens the door for future research, particularly in the areas of bioactive coatings, drug delivery systems, and the development of anti-corrosive and antimicrobial surfaces for various biomedical applications.
Potential applications of this technology extend beyond the realm of orthopedic and dental implants to cardiovascular stents and other internal prosthetics that could benefit from biofunctional coatings. Other naturally derived therapeutic agents could be explored for encapsulation, potentially leading to a wide range of medical treatments being incorporated into implantable devices.
The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia study represents a significant advancement in the field of biomedical engineering, opening new avenues for research and application that could fundamentally alter how medical implants are produced and used.
References
1. Lukman, S. K., Al-Ashwal, R. H., Sultana, N., & Saidin, S. (2019). Electrodeposition of Ginseng/Polyaniline Encapsulated Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Microcapsule Coating on Stainless Steel 316L at Different Deposition Parameters. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 67(5), 445-451. doi: 10.1248/cpb.c18-00847
2. Bhattacharyya, D., & Yu, X. (2011). Surface Modification of Functional Polymers by Electrodeposition. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 163(2), 97-114.
3. Zhao, Y., Wong, S. M., Wong, H. M., Wu, S., & Hu, T. (2013). PLGA microspheres loaded with ginseng extract: Characterization and release studies. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2013.
4. Ratner, B. D. (2004). Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. Elsevier Academic Press.
5. Tallman, D. E., Spinks, G., Dominis, A., & Wallace, G. G. (2002). Electroactive conducting polymers for corrosion control. Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, 6(2), 73-84.
Conclusion
Through the innovative approach detailed in the study, the melding of traditional medicinal substances with cutting-edge biomedical engineering technologies gives us a glimpse into the future of medical treatments and patient care. The research not only advances our understanding of electrodeposition in the context of biomedical applications but also exemplifies the integration of interdisciplinary expertise to solve complex health-related challenges. As the medical field continues to innovate and advance treatments, such findings underscore the importance of continually exploring new ways to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.