Science & Tech 18 August 2026
IIT Mandi Develops Sea Urchin-Inspired Coating for 3D-Printed Bone Implants
Why in the News?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have developed a novel bio-inspired surface coating on 3D-printed bone implants inspired by the natural structure of sea urchins. The study has been published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.
Key Features / Major Points:
Dual-Action Solution: The technology tackles two major orthopaedic challenges simultaneously – preventing bacterial infections and improving bone-implant integration.
Hydroxyapatite Micro-structures: Built on biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds using hydroxyapatite (a major constituent of human bones) to form sea urchin-like needle clusters via a hydrothermal process.
Non-Antibiotic Antibacterial Mechanism: The sharp micro-structures mechanically disrupt and damage bacteria without relying on antibiotics or chemical antibacterial agents.
Applications: Suitable for orthopaedic and dental implants, as well as other infection-sensitive biomedical devices.
Static GK Facts:
Institute Profile - IIT Mandi:
Established: 2009
Location: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh:
Established: January 25, 1971 (Full Statehood)
Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Governor: Kavinder Gupta
Lok Sabha Seats: 4
Rajya Sabha Seats: 3
Vidhan Sabha Seats: 68
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Which IIT institution recently developed a sea urchin-inspired coating for 3D-printed bone implants?
Answer: IIT Mandi
Which key constituent of human bone was used to create the sea urchin-like needle structures on the implants?
Answer: Hydroxyapatite