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-conductive surface of an implant, in particular an orthopaedic or a dental implant is described which permits the simultaneous, electrochemical deposition of a therapeutic agent and a calcium phosphate coating in a combined single-step deposition process. The method involves the preparation of an electrolyte solution containing calcium and phosphorus ions and a therapeutic agent, preferably in combination with a complexing agent such that the resulting complex has a net positive charge. This electrolyte solution is then used in an electrochemical deposition process to produce a calcium phosphate coating incorporating the therapeutic agent on the electro-conductive surface of the implant Preferably, the therapeutic agent comprises metal ions, for example silver ions, and the complexing agent comprises an ammine complex. Also provided are an implant treated by the described method and an electrolyte solution for use in the described method.