METHODS FOR ALTERING THE SURFACE CHEMISTRY OF BIOMEDICAL IMPLANTS AND RELATED APPARATUS

摘要

Methods for improving the antibacterial characteristics of a biomedical implant. In some implementations, the method may comprise providing a biomedical implant material block. The biomedical implant material block may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material. The surface chemistry of the biomedical implant material block may be altered to improve the antibacterial characteristics of the biomedical implant material block. In some implementations, the surface chemistry may be altered by firing the biomedical implant material block in a nitrogen-rich environment or otherwise increasing the nitrogen content in the transitional oxide layer of at least a portion of the biomedical implant material block. The surface of the biomedical implant material block may also, or alternatively, be roughened to improve antibacterial characteristics of the implant.