SBIR-STTR Award

The program is to develop a method for the formation of a thin ceramic coating on implanted electronic devices used in neurostimulation which coating will afford the device with enhanced protection from corrosion by body fluids and tissues. The coating is to be formed in a new laser-based process in which laser-generated gas-phase radicals react with the laser-activated metal surface. The ceramic coating formed in this process will be thin (less than 20 microns), insulating, and flexible; it will be chemically bonded to the metal surface. The use of coated metals prepared using this process will enhance the service life and reduce the extent of medical problems associated with corrosion of implanted devices in the body. Once developed and demonstrated the process will be available eithe for license or as part of a speciality service business.Under the proposed program, metals identified as useful in implanted devices by commercial producers of such devices will be coated using the new laser-based process, and the resultant coated metal parts will be tested for corrosion resistance in three simulated body fluids, at room and at elevated temperature. Parts prepared by procedures shown to provide enhanced corrosion resistance will be examined by SEM and Auger profile analysis, and will be tested for immuno suppressant or reactive adverse effects.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

The objective of the Phase II program is to develop the technology necessary to provide ceramic-coated metals that are corrosion resistant in body fluids under anodic conditions. The technology is based on the generation of gas-phase radicals at a laser-activated metal surface. The reaction that occurs between the radicals and the surface results in the formation of a surface-bonded ceramic layer, which was demonstrated in Phase I to provide significant corrosion protection to metal wires when stressed in simulated body fluids under elevated anodic potentials. The use of coated metals prepared using this process will enhance the service life and reduce the extent of medical problems associated with corrosion of implanted electronic packages.In Phase II, Tracer Technologies, Inc., will develop a prototype workstation and use this workstation to develop process conditions for forming ceramic-coated wires that are corrosion resistant in simulated body fluids under anodic potentials. The process will be applied to materials presently being studied by other scientists. Parts prepared will be tested for corrosion resistance under anodic conditions by SEM and Auger profile analysis, for mechanical strength, and for immunosuppressant or reactive adverse effects.

Anticipated Results:
The commercial application of the research includes implanted electronic devices and leads to those devices that are used in neuromuscular stimulatory systems. Additionally, other implanted materials, such as those used in fixation in orthopedic practice, may benefit from the technology developed. The ceramic layer may also improve the reflectance properties of tools used in laser surgery.National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke (NINDS)