VITAL – Functional Surfaces for the Next Generation of Customized Titanium Implants
05.03.2026
Project Partners:
1. ELB – Eloxalwerk Ludwigsburg Helmut Zerrer GmbH
2. A&B Laboratorios de Biotecnología S.A.
3. FRESDENTAL Innovación y Manufacturas S.L.
Project start: November 2025
Motivation and Objective
Additively manufactured titanium implants open up new possibilities for personalized medical applications, particularly in dental subperiosteal implantology. At the same time, challenges remain regarding surface functionality, biocompatibility, and long-term stability.
The international research project VITAL precisely addresses these issues and aims to specifically improve the performance of such implants through innovative and sustainable surface technologies.
The focus is on patient-specific implants made of the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, which are manufactured using additive manufacturing and enable new approaches for complex reconstructions. To optimize their functionality, a sustainable and industrially scalable process of plasma-electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is being developed.
A particular focus is on developing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and recyclable electrolytes, as well as on transferring the technology from the laboratory setting to industrial applications. The plasma-ceramic surfaces produced are intended to impart crucial functional properties to the implants, including improved biocompatibility, increased corrosion and wear resistance. At the same time, the mechanical integrity of the implants is fully preserved.
Another key aspect of the project is sustainability: after use, the electrolytes are to be converted into environmentally friendly cleaning agents, thereby contributing to a resource-efficient circular economy.
Collaborating partners and their roles in the project:
ELB – Eloxalwerk Ludwigsburg Helmut Zerrer GmbH: Project coordination, as well as the development and application of PEO technology for functional surface finishing
A&B Laboratorios de Biotecnología S.A.: Development of sustainable electrolytes and environmentally friendly process solutions
FRESDENTAL Innovación y Manufacturas S.L.: Development and manufacture of additively manufactured titanium implants
