Electrodeposition of apatite coating on pure titanium and titanium alloys

Synthesis of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite nanowires and nanotubes performed by template-assisted electrodeposition

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has received much interest for being used as bone substitutes because of its similarity with bioapatites. In form of nanowires or nanotubes, HA would offer more advantages such as better biological and mechanical properties than conventional particles (spherical). To date, no study had allowed the isolated nanowires production with simultaneously well-controlled morphology and size, narrow size distribution and high aspect ratio (length on diameter ratio). So, it is impossible to determine exactly the real impact of particles' size and aspect ratio on healing responses of bone substitutes and characteristics of these ones; their biological and mechanical effects can never be reproducible. By the template-assisted pulsed electrodeposition method, we have for the first time succeeded to obtain such calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) particles in aqueous baths with hydrogen peroxide by both applying pulsed current density and pulsed potential in cathodic electrodeposition. After determining the best conditions for CDHA synthesis on gold substrate in thin films by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), we have transferred those conditions to the nanowires and nanotubes synthesis with high aspect ratio going until 71 and 25 respectively. Polycrystalline CDHA nanowires and nanotubes were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At the same time, this study enabled to understand the mechanism of nanopores filling in gold covered polycarbonate membrane: here a preferential nucleation on gold in membranes with 100 and 200 nm nanopores diameters forming nanowires whereas a preferential and randomly nucleation on nanopores walls in membranes with 400 nm nanopores diameter forming nanotubes.

Effect of Ca-P compound formed by hydrothermal treatment on biodegradation and biocompatibility of Mg-3Al-1Zn-1.5Ca alloy; in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Chemical combinations of Ca-P produced via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and a hydrothermal treatment were fabricated to improve the initial corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of a biodegradable Mg-3Al-1Zn-1.5Ca alloy. For the formation of an amorphous calcium phosphate composite layer on the surface of a magnesium alloy, a PEO layer composed of MgO and Mg₃(PO₄)₂ was formed by PEO in electrolytes containing preliminary phosphate ions. During the second stage, a thick and dense Ca layer was formed by Ca electrodeposition after PEO. Finally, a hydrothermal treatment was carried out for chemical incorporation of P ions in the PEO layer and Ca ions in the electrodeposition layer. The amorphous calcium phosphate composite layer formed by the hydrothermal treatment enhanced osteoblast activity and reduced H₂O₂ production, which is a known stress indicator for cells. As a result of co-culturing osteoblast cells and RAW 264.7 cells, the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate increased osteoblast cell differentiation and decreased osteoclast cell differentiation. Implanting the alloy, which had an amorphous calcium phosphate composite layer that had been added through hydrothermal treatment, in the tibia of rats led to a reduction in initial biodegradation and promoted new bone formation.

Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics: A Review of Their History, Structure, Properties, Coating Technologies and Biomedical Applications

Calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics are widely used in the field of bone regeneration, both in orthopedics and in dentistry, due to their good biocompatibility, osseointegration and osteoconduction. The aim of this article is to review the history, structure, properties and clinical applications of these materials, whether they are in the form of bone cements, paste, scaffolds, or coatings. Major analytical techniques for characterization of CaPs, in vitro and in vivo tests, and the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international standards from CaP coatings on orthopedic and dental endosseous implants, are also summarized, along with the possible effect of sterilization on these materials. CaP coating technologies are summarized, with a focus on electrochemical processes. Theories on the formation of transient precursor phases in biomineralization, the dissolution and reprecipitation as bone of CaPs are discussed. A wide variety of CaPs are presented, from the individual phases to nano-CaP, biphasic and triphasic CaP formulations, composite CaP coatings and cements, functionally graded materials (FGMs), and antibacterial CaPs. We conclude by foreseeing the future of CaPs.

Designing a novel nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering using electrospun conductive PBAT/polypyrrole as a scaffold to direct nanohydroxyapatite electrodeposition

Electrospinning is a well-recognized technique for producing nanostructured fibers with different functionalities, generating materials that are able to support cell adhesion and further proliferation.

Electrophoretic deposition and characterization of nanocomposites and nanoparticles on magnesium substrates

This study introduces a triphasic design of biodegradable materials composed of nanophase hydroxyapatite (nHA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and magnesium (Mg) substrates for musculoskeletal implant applications. Specifically, nHA_PLGA composites and nHA nanoparticles were synthesized, deposited on three-dimensional Mg substrates using electrophoretic deposition (EPD), and characterized. The three components involved, that is, nHA, PLGA, and Mg are all biodegradable in the human body, thus promising for biodegradable implant and device applications. Mg and its alloys are attractive for musculoskeletal implant applications due to their comparable modulus and strength to cortical bone. Controlling the interface of Mg with the biological environment, however, is the key challenge that currently limits this biodegradable metal for broad applications in medical implants. This article particularly focuses on creating nanostructured interface between the biodegradable Mg and surrounding tissue for the dual purposes of (1) mediating the degradation of the Mg-based substrates and (2) potentially enhancing osteointegration. Nanophase hydroxyapatite (nHA) is an excellent candidate as a coating material due to its osteoconductivity, while the polymer phase promotes interfacial adhesion between the nHA and Mg. Moreover, the degradation products of PLGA and Mg neutralize each other. Surface characterization showed successful deposition of nHA_PLGA composite microspheres and nHA nanoparticles on Mg substrates using EPD. Mg substrates coated with nHA_PLGA composites showed greater adhesion strength when compared with nHA coating, and slower corrosion rate than nHA coated Mg and non-coated Mg. The triphasic composites of nHA, PLGA and Mg are promising as the next-generation biodegradable materials for medical applications.

The effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the crystallinity of nano-hydroxyapatite produced via the wet chemical method

Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) powders were produced via aqueous precipitation by adopting four different experimental conditions, assisted or non-assisted by ultrasound irradiation (UI). The nHAp powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Raman and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, which showed typical surface chemical compositions of nHAp. Analysis found strong connections between UI and the crystallization process, crystal growth properties, as well as correlations between calcination and substitution reactions.

Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Improved Adhesion and Corrosion Resistance for Medical Implants

Hydroxyapetite (HA) coating on medical implant has been used in commercial application for several decades. The coating, commercially made by thermal spray method, functions as a intermediate layer between human tissues and the metal implant. The coating can speed up early stage healing after operation but the life span is much limited by low interfacial bond strength, which comes from the dissolution of amorphous HA in human body fluid during its service. This amorphous phase is formed in coating process under high temperature. To overcome these problems, we have developed a novel room temperature electrophoretic deposition process to fabricate nanostructured HA coating. This nanostructured HA coating significantly improved coating's bond strength up to 50-60 MPa, 2-3 times better than the thermal sprayed HA coating. The nanostructured HA coating also has corrosion resistance 50-100 times higher than the conventional HA coating. X-ray diffraction shows that all the HA coating is fully crystalline phase. It is expected that the implants with the nanostructured HA coating will have much longer service life. Other benefits derived from this process include room temperature deposition, the ability to control the coating microstructure and phases, and low cost for production.

Fast preparation of hydroxyapatite/superhydrophilic vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube composites for bioactive application

A method for the electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite films on superhydrophilic vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes is presented. The formation of a thin homogeneous film with high crystallinity was observed without any thermal treatment and with bioactivity properties that accelerate the in vitro biomineralization process and osteoblast adhesion.

Enhanced osseointegration of grit-blasted, NaOH-treated and electrochemically hydroxyapatite-coated Ti-6Al-4V implants in rabbits

Osseointegration, in terms of the bone apposition ratio (BAR) and the new bone area (NBA), was measured by backscattered electron imaging. The results were compared for four implant types: grit-blasted and NaOH-treated Ti-6Al-4V (Uncoated-NaOH), electrodeposited with hydroxyapatite without alkali treatment (ED-HAp), electrodeposited with hydroxyapatite after alkali treatment (NaOH-ED-HAp), and plasma sprayed with hydroxyapatite (PS-HAp). No heat treatment was done after soaking in NaOH. The implants were press fitted into the intramedullary canal of mature New Zealand white rabbits and analyzed, both at the diaphyseal and at the metaphyseal zones, either 1week or 12weeks after surgery. NaOH-ED-HAp already exhibited a higher BAR value than the ED-HAp at 1week, and was as good as the commercial PS-HAp at 12weeks. The NBA value for NaOH-ED-HAp at 12weeks was the highest. The higher content of octacalcium phosphate in NaOH-ED-HAp, as evident from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the oxygen shake-up peaks, and the associated increase in the solubility of this coating in vivo are considered responsible for the enhanced osseointegration. Taking into account also the reduced occurrence of delamination and the inherent advantages of the electrodeposition process, electrodeposition of HAp following soaking in NaOH may become an attractive alternative for the traditional plasma-sprayed process for coating of orthopedic and dental implants.

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite coatings from ultrasonated electrolyte: preparation, characterization, and osteoblast responses

An electrochemical method of producing nanograined hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium surface is reported in this article. The electrolyte contained Ca(NO(3))(2) and NH(4)H(2)PO(4) in the molar ratio of 1.67:1. The electrolyte had physiological pH and was ultrasonically agitated throughout the time of electrolysis. Coatings were deposited for 30 minutes at 10 and 15 mA/cm(2) and contained monohydroxyapatite phase whose grain sizes were 18 and 25 nm, respectively. These sizes are comparable with the grain size of bone. Small globules of hydroxyapatite covered the coating surface completely. Cell viability and total protein assay studies were carried out using SaOS-2 human osteoblast-like cell line. Of the two, the coating produced at 10 mA/cm(2) showed higher viability and protein activity and seems to be a promising material for osseointegration.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the surface bioactivity of a calcium phosphate coated magnesium alloy

Magnesium has shown potential application as a bio-absorbable biomaterial, such as for bone screws and plates. In order to improve the surface bioactivity, a calcium phosphate was coated on a magnesium alloy by a phosphating process (Ca-P coating). The surface characterization showed that a porous and netlike CaHPO(4).2H(2)O layer with small amounts of Mg(2+) and Zn(2+) was formed on the surface of the Mg alloy. Cells L929 showed significantly good adherence and significantly high growth rate and proliferation characteristics on the Ca-P coated magnesium alloy (p<0.05) in in-vitro cell experiments, demonstrating that the surface cytocompatibility of magnesium was significantly improved by the Ca-P coating. In vivo implantations of the Ca-P coated and the naked alloy rods were carried out to investigate the bone response at the early stage. Both routine pathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the Ca-P coating provided magnesium with a significantly good surface bioactivity (p<0.05) and promoted early bone growth at the implant/bone interface. It was suggested that the Ca-P coating might be an effective method to improve the surface bioactivity of magnesium alloy.

Electrochemical processes of nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite on titanium supported by real-time electrochemical atomic force microscopy

Recently, interest in electrochemical formation of hydroxyapatite has evolved. In this work, highly crystalline hydroxyapatite is electrodeposited on pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In situ and ex situ imaging, coupled with potentiostatic and potentiodynamic measurements, is conducted by means of electrochemical atomic force microscopy. This allows for a study of the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite as well as of its near-atomic structure. Electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite is shown to result from precipitation in solution, following two stages: (1) instantaneous nucleation, two-dimensional growth; (2) progressive nucleation, three-dimensional growth. Although some nucleation occurs already at -842 mV, potentials that are more negative than -1.26 V versus SCE are required for enhanced growth. Mass transport is found to have only secondary effect on the deposition process. The conclusions of this work have implications in optimization of coatings on implants as well as in enhancement of the understanding of bone mineralization in vivo.

Early bone apposition in vivo on plasma-sprayed and electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium alloy

Three different implants, bare Ti-6Al-4V alloy, Ti-6Al-4V alloy coated with plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (PSHA), and Ti-6Al-4V alloy coated with electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite (EDHA), were implanted into canine trabecular bone for 6 h, 7, and 14 days, respectively. Environmental scanning electron microscopy study showed that PSHA coatings had higher bone apposition ratios than those exhibited by bare Ti-6Al-4V and EDHA coatings after 7 days; however, at 14 days after implantation, EDHA and PSHA coatings exhibited similar bone apposition ratios, much higher than that for bare Ti-6Al-4V. The ultrastructure of the bone/implant interface observed by transmission electron microscope showed that the earliest mineralization (6 h-7 days) was in the form of nano-ribbon cluster mineral deposits with a Ca/P atomic ratio lower than that of hydroxyapatite. Later-stage mineralization (7-14 days) resulted in bone-like tissue with the characteristic templating of self-assembled collagen fibrils by HA platelets. Though adhesion of EDHA coatings to Ti-6Al-4V substrate proved problematical and clearly needs to be addressed through appropriate manipulation of electrodepositon parameters, the finely textured microstructure of EDHA coatings appears to provide significant advantage for the integration of mineralized bone tissue into the coatings.

Formation characterization of hydroxyapatite on titanium by microarc oxidation and hydrothermal treatment

Microarc oxidation (MAO) was performed on titanium in an electrolyte containing calcium glycerphosphate (Ca-GP) and calcium acetate (CA) using a direct current power supply. It was found that the MAO method is suitable forming a ceramic coating containing Ca and P using titanium, and that films display a porous and rough structure on their surface. Samples with a Ca/P ratio of 1.71 were hydrothermally treated in water solution whose pH was adjusted to 7.0-11.0 by adding NaOH at 190 degrees C for 10 h in an autoclave. Hydroxyapatite crystals were precipitated on the film surface after the hydrothermal treatment, and the amount of hydroxyapatite precipitated increased with increasing pH of water solution. The oxide film composition was semiquantitatively analyzed with an electron probe microanalyzer. The microstructures on the sample surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy before and after the hydrothermal treatment. The topography of the oxide film was imaged with an atomic force microscope. Its cross section was observed by scanning electron microscopy after being coated with a thin Au film. The surface structures of the films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction.

Adherent octacalciumphosphate coating on titanium alloy using modulated electrochemical deposition method

Our aims in this study were (1) to develop an electrochemical method of depositing adherent octacalciumphosphate (OCP) and other calcium phosphate coatings on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrates of different shapes and surface preparations, (2) to determine the properties of the coating (composition, morphology, thickness, dissolution), and (3) to observe transformation of OCP to carbonatehydroxyapatite (CHA) in simulated body fluid (SBF). Titanium (Ti)-alloy plates, tensile bars with four types of surfaces (grit-blasted with apatitic abrasive, chemically textured, arc-deposited, and Co-Cr-beaded) and dissolution cylinders were electrochemically coated with the use of modulated pulse time electric fields programmed with a custom-made dual microprocessor. Modulated electrochemical deposition (MECD) was carried out with pH and temperature conditions favorable for OCP formation. Coatings were characterized using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength tests, and solubility tests. XRD and FT-IR analyses showed that pure, uniform OCP coatings were produced on Ti6Al4V surfaces with coating-to-substrate tensile strengths greater than 7,000 psi. Coatings on Ti arc-deposited surfaces, chemically textured surfaces, and Co-Cr-beaded surfaces all gave tensile strengths ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 psi, with no coating shadows in the crevices. Dissolution of OCP coating in 100 mL of 0.1 M Tris buffer solution was determined from the amount of calcium (Ca) released onto the buffer, which was 7.7 +/- 1.0 ppm Ca at pH 7.3 after 4 h, and 22 -/+ 1.4 ppm Ca at pH 3 after 2 h. We found that OCP crystal size can be controlled by the current density and relative pulse time modulation. Our study demonstrated the following: (1) Highly adherent calcium phosphate (e.g., OCP) coating of uniform compositions (e.g., OCP) on Ti-alloy substrates can be obtained at low temperatures with the use of MECD by optimizing pulse time modulation of the electric field, reaction pH, temperature, and electrolyte composition; and (2) OCP readily transforms to CHA when exposed to SBF.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of powder injection molded Ti-6Al-4V/HA powder

Taguchi method with an L9 orthogonal array was employed to investigate the sintered properties of Ti-6Al-4V/HA tensile bars produced by powder injection molding. The effects of sintering factors at the 90% significance level: sintering temperature (1050 degrees C, 1100 degrees C and 1150 degrees C), heating rate (5 degrees C/min, 7.5 degrees C/min and 10 degrees C/min), holding time (30, 45 and 60 min) and cooling rate (5 degrees C/min, 20 degrees C/min and 40 degrees C/min) were investigated. Results showed that sintering temperature, heating rate and cooling rate have significant effects on sintered properties, whereas the influence of holding time was insignificant. It was found that a sintering temperature of 1100 degrees C, a heating rate of 7.5 degrees C/min and a cooling rate of 5 degrees C/min increased the relative density, Vicker's microhardness, flexural strength and flexural modulus. However, a further increment of sintering temperature to 1150 degrees C did not show any discernable improvement in the relative density and Vicker's microhardness, but there was a slight increase of 0.6% and 0.9% in the flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively. Mechanically strong Ti-6Al-4V/HA parts with an open porosity of around 50% were developed.

Properties of osteoconductive biomaterials: calcium phosphates

Bone is formed by a series of complex events involving the mineralization of extracellular matrix proteins rigidly orchestrated by cells with specific functions of maintaining the integrity of the bone. Bone, similar to other calcified tissues, is an intimate composite of the organic (collagen and noncollagenous proteins) and inorganic or mineral phases. The bone mineral idealized as calcium hydroxyapatite, Ca10 (PO4)(6)(OH)2, is a carbonatehydroxyapatite, approximated by the formula: (Ca,X)(10)(PO4,HPO4,CO3)(6)(OH,Y)2, where X are cations (magnesium, sodium, strontium ions) that can substitute for the calcium ions, and Y are anions (chloride or fluoride ions) that can substitute for the hydroxyl group. The current author presents a brief review of CaP biomaterials that now are used as grafts for bone repair, augmentation, or substitution. Commercially-available CaP biomaterials differ in origin (natural or synthetic), composition (hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and biphasic CaP), or physical forms (particulates, blocks, cements, coatings on metal implants, composites with polymers), and in physicochemical properties. CaP biomaterials have outstanding properties: similarity in composition to bone mineral; bioactivity (ability to form bone apatitelike material or carbonate hydroxyapatite on their surfaces), ability to promote cellular function and expression leading to formation of a uniquely strong bone-CaP biomaterial interface; and osteoconductivity (ability to provide the appropriate scaffold or template for bone formation). In addition, CaP biomaterials with appropriate three-dimensional geometry are able to bind and concentrate endogenous bone morphogenetic proteins in circulation, and may become osteoinductive (capable of osteogenesis), and can be effective carriers of bone cell seeds. Therefore, CaP biomaterials potentially are useful in tissue engineering for regeneration of hard tissues.

Electrodeposition of hydroxyapatite coatings in basic conditions

Hydroxyapatite films have been grown in this work by an electrodeposition method involving both physical and chemical processes and presenting several differences with respect to other reported works. Description of the coating formation is based on the evolution of current through the sample placed as positive electrode in the basic electrolyte. The characterisation of hydroxyapatite films is of special importance since the bioactive properties related to HAP have been directly identified with its specific composition (Ca/P ratio) and crystalline structure. This characterisation has been traditionally fulfilled by the use of XRD, FTIR and SEM. Results of a further characterisation of the coatings by TEM and SFM, additional to the analysis by XRD, FTIR and SEM, are presented. Interpretation and comparison of our results with those obtained by other electrodeposition methods lead to arguments in favour of a deposition produced directly from ionic species.