Over the past 50 years, there have been several notable developments in the medical device industry, including the incorporation of advanced tools and technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which support the advancement within the digital health sector and led to the acceleration of the use of biomedical devices, such as medical implants, surgical instruments, and prostheses. In fact, every year, millions of individuals undergo surgeries and implantations; some of the most commonly implanted devices include cardioverter defibrillators, prosthetic hips and knees, contact lenses, and cardiac pacemakers. Notably, fixation devices and artificial joints account for about 44% of all medical devices.
However, despite the significant advancements in the design and implantation of medical devices, several challenges persist in this sector. Patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised, are at high risk of contracting healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to the in-dwelling nature of implanted devices and surgical tools. Other limitations include implant rejection, osseointegration, degradation and wear, and loom over the prosthetic integration. Consequently, in recent years, the medical device industry has seen a surge in medical device coatings as a method to tackle these challenges. One such example is the biomedical implant coating. These coatings are being used to enhance biological interaction between the implant and the host, mitigate joint wear, and combine the properties of several materials to enhance device performance, as well as reduce the risks associated with invasive medical devices. Medical device coatings also aid in lubrication and exhibit antifouling properties, while enhancing the durability of the device surface.