A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign,IL, USA; www.illinois.edu) has developed "smart" coatings for orthopedic implants that can provide early warnings of device failure while eliminating infection-causing bacteria. 

The coatings integrate flexible sensors with a nanostructured antibacterial surface,inspired by the wings of dragonflies and cicadas.These smart coatings feature bacteria-destroying nanopillars on one side and strain-mapping flexible electronics on the other，which could help physicians monitor patient rehabilitation and address device issues before failure occurs.

The team's study showed successful infection prevention in live mice and the ability to provide early warnings of implant or healing failures in sheep spine experiments.

Smart coatings on orthopedic implants could repair or replace devices before they fail(Photo courtesy of Beckman Imaging Technology Group)