National Research Development Corporation

Michael J Wilkinson

John T Scales

Surgical implants, especially endoprosthetic orthopaedic implants and sutures, are rendered antimicrobial by the presence of a bioerodible metallic silver component, especially a surface coating, which provides in vivo a sustained release of silver ions in a concentration sufficient to provide a localized antimicrobial effect but insufficient to cause significant damage to connective tissue. Latently bioerodible silver components of an implant can be activated by, for example, abrasion, heating to above about 180.degree. C. or, especially, contact with hydrogen peroxide.

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Radlett, United Kingdom

Michael J Wilkinson