Antibacterial and Osteogenic Coatings for Implants

Dear Colleagues,

The success of orthopedic and dental implants is strongly governed by surface-related biological interactions, particularly osseointegration and resistance to bacterial infection. Implant-associated infections and insufficient bone–implant integration remain major clinical challenges, often leading to implant failure, prolonged treatment, and costly revision surgeries. As the global demand for implantable medical devices continues to increase due to population aging, degenerative diseases, and trauma, there is a growing need for advanced surface engineering strategies that address these challenges simultaneously.

This Special Issue focuses on antibacterial and osteogenic coatings for implants, highlighting recent advances in multifunctional surface technologies that promote bone regeneration while preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. This issue aims to bring together interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomaterials science, biomechanics, surface engineering, and biomedical applications. Particular emphasis is placed on innovative coating materials, nano- and micro-structured surfaces, controlled release systems, and biologically inspired strategies that enhance implant performance and long-term clinical outcomes.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the design, fabrication, and characterization of antibacterial and osteogenic coatings; in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations; mechanobiological and biomechanical aspects of coated implants; and translational studies addressing clinical relevance, durability, and regulatory considerations. Both original research articles and high-quality review papers are welcomed. By providing a comprehensive overview of current trends and emerging solutions, this Special Issue aims to advance scientific understanding and support the development of next-generation implant technologies.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design and development of antibacterial and osteogenic coatings for orthopedic and dental implants;
• Bioactive, multifunctional, and smart coating systems for enhanced osseointegration;
• Nanostructured and microstructured surface modifications and their biological effects;
• Antimicrobial strategies to prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on implant surfaces;
• Ion-, drug-, and growth factor-releasing coatings with controlled and stimuli-responsive behavior;
• Polymer-, ceramic-, metallic-, and composite-based coating materials;
• Surface engineering techniques such as plasma spraying, sol gel processing, anodization, electrophoretic deposition, and additive manufacturing-assisted coatings;
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antibacterial activity and osteogenic performance;
• Biomechanical and mechanobiological aspects of coated implants and the bone–implant interface;
• Long-term stability, durability, and degradation behavior of implant coatings;
• Translational studies, preclinical models, and clinical perspectives on coated implant systems;
• Regulatory considerations and challenges in the clinical translation of advanced implant coatings. 

Prof. Dr. Arif Gok
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• antibacterial coatings
• implant surface modification
• biomaterials
• biomechanics
• bioactive coatings
• nanostructured surfaces
• infection-resistant implants
• bone–implant interface
• drug- and ion-releasing coatings
• biomedical implants