MAPLE-fabricated bioglass-antiglycemic thin films for implants in diabetes management

The integration of bioactive materials with therapeutic agents represents a cutting-edge strategy for enhancing the functionality of biomedical implants, particularly for patients with diabetes who face impaired healing and elevated infection risk. This study explores the fabrication of multifunctional thin films composed of bioglasses and antiglycemic drugs using MAPLE, a technique well-suited for depositing organic and composite materials while preserving their structural integrity. Bioglasses were chosen for their well-established osteoconductive and bioactive properties, which promote bone regeneration and tissue integration. Concurrently, antiglycemic drugs such as metformin and gliclazide were incorporated into the films to enable localized, sustained glycemic control at the implant-tissue interface. The MAPLE technique facilitated the deposition of uniform, adherent coatings onto titanium substrates, with process parameters optimized for laser fluence and cryogenic target stability. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterizations confirmed that both the bioglass matrix and drug components remained chemically intact post-deposition. Drug release studies revealed a sustained and therapeutically relevant release profile. Moreover, preliminary antibacterial tests showed promising results in inhibiting bacterial growth, adding a further layer of implant protection.

These multifunctional coatings show strong potential for use in implants designed for diabetic patients by simultaneously supporting bone regeneration, offering antimicrobial defence, and delivering localized metabolic therapy. This work paves the way for the development of smart, therapeutic implant coatings tailored to address the complex clinical challenges of diabetes-related bone disorders.

Dr. Irina Negut (Ungureanu) is a Senior Researcher in the Lasers Department at the National Institute for Laser, Plasma, and Radiation Physics (INFLPR). With a solid foundation in surface physics and engineering, her research is dedicated to the laser-based processing of thin films for advanced functional applications in biomedicine.