Nanotechnology brings a variety of new high surface area biocompatible nanomaterials
and coatings to increase the adhesion, durability and lifespan of implants. Ceramic
materials such as calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite or HAP) are made into implant coatings using nano-sized particles instead of micro-sized particles.

In addition to the higher surface areas and improved adhesion properties of the
nanoparticle coatings, improved coating techniques are also being developed. While high
temperature processes such as plasma spray can melt ceramic particles and reduce their
surface area and adhesion properties, new low temperature processes with
electromagnetic fields can maintain the nanomaterial properties. This provides the
maximum possible contact area between the implants and bone surface to improve the
potential for in-growth in the host bone.

New types of nanomaterials are being evaluated as implant coatings to improve interface
properties. For example, nanopolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can be used to
coat implantable devices that are in contact with blood (e.g. artificial hearts, vascular
grafts, catheters) for dispersing clots or preventing their formation.