A METHOD OF SURFACE TREATMENT OF AN IMPLANT, AN IMPLANT TREATED BY SAID METHOD AND AN ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION FOR USE IN SAID METHOD

摘要

A method of surface treatment of at least part of an electro-conductivesurface of an implant, in particular an orthopaedicor a dental implant is described which permits the simultaneous,electrochemical deposition of a therapeutic agent and acalcium phosphate coating in a combined single-step deposition process. Themethod involves the preparation of an electrolyte solutioncontaining calcium and phosphorus ions and a therapeutic agent, preferably incombination with a complexing agent suchthat the resulting complex has a net positive charge. This electrolytesolution is then used in an electrochemical deposition processto produce a calcium phosphate coating incorporating the therapeutic agent onthe electro-conductive surface of the implantPreferably, the therapeutic agent comprises metal ions, for example silverions, and the complexing agent comprises an amminecomplex. Also provided are an implant treated by the described method and anelectrolyte solution for use in the describedmethod.