Laser-Structured Titanium Surfaces for Antibacterial Purposes

Project/agreement No.

OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/2-0072

Project funding

170 000.00 EUR, Riga Stradiņš University’s share: 47 500 EUR

Project manager

Asoc. prof., Dr. phys. Pāvels Onufrijevs (RTU)

Project realization

09.03.2026. - 08.11.2026.

Aim

The aim of the project is to validate a laser-based treatment process for producing antibacterial titanium surfaces. The project seeks to demonstrate that laser-structured titanium can reliably reduce bacterial colonization under standardized laboratory conditions. By evaluating the process in terms of reproducibility, scalability, and suitability for industrial integration, the project will establish the potential of this technology for future application in medical implants, particularly hip and knee prostheses.

Description

Medical titanium implants have become an integral part of modern medicine and are widely used in orthopedics, dentistry, and other medical fields. However, one of the main challenges after implantation is bacterial colonization on the implant surface. Microorganisms can adhere to the implant, form biofilms, and cause infections that complicate treatment and, in some cases, require implant removal.

The LASANTi project proposes an innovative solution to this problem by developing a titanium implant surface treatment technology based on nanosecond laser processing. Using precisely controlled laser pulses, specific micro- and nanostructures are created on the titanium surface. These structures significantly modify the surface properties while also inducing changes in the material’s chemical composition.

Such structured surfaces affect bacteria at both the physical and chemical levels. During laser processing, micro- and nanostructures form on the titanium surface, mechanically hindering the ability of microorganisms to attach to the material. At the same time, the surface treatment leads to changes in chemical composition, including the formation of a titanium dioxide layer. The combination of these factors reduces bacterial adhesion and inhibits biofilm formation.

Importantly, this effect is achieved without the use of additional chemical coatings or antibiotics, relying instead on controlled surface structuring and laser-induced chemical modifications of the material.

LASANTi demonstrates how advanced laser technologies and materials science can contribute to the development of safer medical implants, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient treatment outcomes.

The technology is being experimentally tested in collaboration with Riga Stradiņš University.

Project Team

Assoc. Prof., Dr. phys. Pāvels Onufrijevs (RTU)
Assoc. Prof. Ingus Skadiņš (RSU)
Dr. sc. ing. Līga Orlova (RTU)
Mg. Kaspars Ozols (RTU)
Bc. ing. Cristhian Cobas Montero (RTU)
Bc. ing. Eva Helēna Petrova (RTU)
Mg. Artūrs Plūdons (RTU)
Jānis Vespers (RSU)
Anastasija Dovbenko (RSU)