We investigate biomaterials for bone and joint replacement implants, focusing on their structural, mechanical, and biological properties. Our goal is to improve the performance of existing implant materials and develop new options that enhance long-term compatibility with the body.

Our work includes:

• Improving titanium alloys with biomimetic coatings that replicate natural bone environments to support tissue integration and reduce rejection.
• Exploring alternative materials to expand the range of viable implant substrates.

Group Leader 

 Thabsile Thabethe

 Senior Lecturer

Postdoctoral Associates

Unaisa Dockrat

Postgraduate Students

Conrad Foloshi

MSc Student

Tsegofatso Mashabela

PhD Student

Thabiso Mathews

PhD Student

Abubakar Muritala

PhD Student

Past Members

Tshepiso Kadi

MSc 2025

Tasabeeh Jafer

PhD 2024

Research Topics (Projects)

• Protein Adsorption on biomaterial surfaces
  Investigating how surface chemistry and topography influence protein adsorption, conformation, and biointerface behaviour.
• Biomimetic Coating on Biomaterials
  Developing and characterizing apatite-based coatings that replicate bone mineral for improved implant integration.
• Apatite Formation and Growth Kinetics in Simulated Body Fluid
  Studying the nucleation and growth of apatite layers under controlled SBF conditions to understand coating formation mechanisms.
• Bioactivity and Biocompatibility of Implant Materials
  Evaluating cell attachment, proliferation, and mineralization on coated and uncoated implant surfaces.
• Development of Biofunctional Conductive Graphite Substrates for Implant Applications
  Designing PEDOT-apatite coated graphite substrates with stable electrochemical properties and enhanced biological performance.
• Interactions Between Biomaterials and Solid-State Surfaces
  Exploring interfacial bonding, charge transfer, and microstructural effects between biomaterials and solid-state layers.

University Collaboration

• Dr J. N. Mwambakana-Mutombo, University of Pretoria

National Collaboration

• Dr T.P. Nstoane, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Nuclear power company

African Continent Collaboration

• Prof S. Biira, Busitema University, Uganda

International Collaboration

• Prof M.N Mirzayev, Institute of Radiation Problems, Azerbaijan and Joint İnstitute for Nuclear Researchers, Dubna, Russia

Dr Thabsile Thabethe
Biomaterials Group
Department of Physics
University of Pretoria
Tel: +27 12 420 6204
Email: [email protected]