A project, called SMART-HIP: Smart bioactive nanocomposite coatings for enhanced hip prostheses, in association with TecVac, Corin, Imperial College and Sheffield University has been awarded to Professor Julia Shelton. It was submitted in the Technology Strategy Board (formerly know as the DTI) Technology Programme Spring 2007 competition, within the Technology Priority Area of Bioactive and Nanostructure materials. The total project costs are £1.5 million, of which £155 K, has been awarded to QMUL for the support of a post-doctoral researcher for 2 years.

Total hip joint replacements have become one of the most successful surgical procedures. However, as a result of the success of the procedure, increasing numbers of individuals are requesting this procedure from an ever increasingly youthful population. With increasing life expectancy and this new group of younger patients, the demands on the performance of the prosthesis are ever increasing.

Metal on metal prostheses have been shown to be an exciting new area for resurfacing and total hip replacements, although there is still a motivation to reduce both the volume of wear particles produced and the total level of metal ions released. This project will develop and evaluate the properties of novel nanocomposite, wear and ion release resistant physical vapour deposited (PVD) bioactive coatings, to meet the rigorous demands of the hip joint application. This proposal will lead to the development of safer and more durable hip replacements.