Electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) of calcium phosphate coatings, an in vitro study with osteoblast-like cells

Preparation and characterization of the injectable pH- and temperature-sensitive pentablock hydrogel containing human growth hormone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles via electrospraying

This research investigated the in vivo gelation, biodegradation, and drug release efficiency of a novel injectable sensitive drug delivery system for human growth hormone (HGh). This composite system comprises pH- and temperature-sensitive hydrogel, designated as oligomer serine-b-poly(lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide)-b-oligomer serine (OS-PLA-PEG-PLA-OS) pentablock copolymer, as matrix and electrosprayed HGh-loaded chitosan (HGh@CS) nanoparticles (NPs) as principal material. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the pH- and temperature-sensitive OS-PLA-PEG-PLA-OS pentablock copolymer hydrogel proved that this copolymer was successfully synthesized. The HGh was encapsulated in chitosan (CS) NPs by an electrospraying system in acetic acid with appropriate granulation parameters. The scanning electron microscopy images and size distribution showed that the HGh@CS NPs formed had an average diameter of 366.1 ± 214.5 nm with a discrete spherical shape and dispersed morphology. The sol-gel transition of complex gel based on HGh@CS NPs and OS-PLA-PEG-PLA-OS pentablock hydrogel was investigated at 15 °C and pH 7.8 in the sol state and gelled at 37 °C and pH 7.4, which is suitable for the physiological conditions of the human body. The HGh release experiment of the composite system was performed in an in vivo environment, which demonstrated the ability to release HGh, and underwent biodegradation within 32 days. The findings of the investigation revealed that the distribution of HGh@CS NPs into the hydrogel matrix not only improved the mechanical properties of the gel matrix but also controlled the drug release kinetics into the systematic bloodstream, which ultimately promotes the desired therapeutic body growth depending on the distinct concentration used.

Kappa-carrageenan-Functionalization of octacalcium phosphate-coated titanium Discs enhances pre-osteoblast behavior and osteogenic differentiation

Bioactive coatings are promising for improving osseointegration and the long-term success of titanium dental or orthopaedic implants. Biomimetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) coating can be used as a carrier for osteoinductive agents. κ-Carrageenan, a highly hydrophilic and biocompatible seaweed-derived sulfated-polysaccharide, promotes pre-osteoblast activity required for bone regeneration. Whether κ-carrageenan can functionalize OCP-coating to enhance osseointegration of titanium implants is unclear. This study aimed to analyze carrageenan-functionalized biomimetic OCP-coated titanium structure, and effects of carrageenan functionalization on pre-osteoblast behavior and osteogenic differentiation. Titanium discs were coated with OCP/κ-carrageenan at 0.125-2 mg/ml OCP solution, and physicochemical and biological properties were investigated. κ-Carrageenan (2 mg/ml) in the OCP coating of titanium discs decreased the pore size in the sheet-like OCP crystal by 41.32%. None of the κ-carrageenan concentrations tested in the OCP-coating did affect hydrophilicity. However, κ-carrageenan (2 mg/ml) increased (1.26-fold) MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast spreading at 1 h i.e., κ-Carrageenan in the OCP-coating increased pre-osteoblast proliferation (max. 1.92-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 1), metabolic activity (max. 1.50-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 3), and alkaline phosphatase protein (max. 4.21-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 3), as well as matrix mineralization (max. 5.45-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 21). κ-Carrageenan (2 mg/ml) in the OCP-coating increased gene expression of Mepe (4.93-fold) at day 14, and Runx2 (2.94-fold), Opn (3.59-fold), Fgf2 (3.47-fold), Ocn (3.88-fold), and Dmp1 (4.59-fold) at day 21 in pre-osteoblasts. In conclusion, κ-carrageenan modified the morphology and microstructure of OCP-coating on titanium discs, and enhanced pre-osteoblast metabolic activity, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. This suggests that κ-carrageenan-functionalized OCP coating may be promising for in vivo improvement of titanium implant osseointegration.

A systematic review on the effect of inorganic surface coatings in large animal models and meta-analysis on tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite on periimplant bone formation

The aim of the present systematic review was to analyse studies using inorganic implant coatings and, in a meta‐analysis, the effect of specifically tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) implant surface coatings on bone formation according to the PRISMA criteria. Inclusion criteria were the comparison to rough surfaced titanium implants in large animal studies at different time points of healing. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Fifteen of these analyzed the bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) around the most investigated inorganic titanium implant coatings, namely TCP and HA, and were included in the meta‐analysis. The results of the TCP group show after 14 days a BIC being 3.48% points lower compared with the reference surface. This difference in BIC decreases to 0.85% points after 21–28 days. After 42–84 days, the difference in BIC of 13.79% points is in favor of the TCP‐coatings. However, the results are not statistically significant, in part due to the fact that the variability between the studies increased over time. The results of the HA group show a significant difference in mean BIC of 6.94% points after 14 days in favor of the reference surface. After 21–28 days and 42–84 days the difference in BIC is slightly in favor of the test group with 1.53% points and 1.57% points, respectively, lacking significance. In large animals, there does not seem to be much effect of TCP‐coated or HA‐coated implants over uncoated rough titanium implants in the short term.

Can implant surfaces affect implant stability during osseointegration? A randomized clinical trial

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the insertion torque (IT), primary, and secondary stability of dental implants with different surface treatments during the osseointegration period. Nineteen patients with bilateral partial edentulism in the posterior mandibular region were randomly allocated to two implant brand groups and received implants with different surface treatments in the opposite site of the arch: Osseotite and Nanotite or SLA and SLActive. During implant placement, the maximum IT was recorded using a surgical motor equipped with a graphical user interface. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was assessed immediately after the IT, and was measured weekly via resonance frequency analysis during 3 months. The data were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA, the Bonferroni test, paired t tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The IT values were similar (p > 0.05) for all implant types ranging from 43.82 ± 6.50 to 46.84 ± 5.06. All implant types behaved similarly until the 28th day (p > 0.05). Between 35 and 56 days, Osseotite and SLActive showed lower ISQ values (p < 0.001) compared to Nanotite and SLA implants. After 56 days, only Osseotite maintained significantly lower ISQ values than the other implants (p < 0.05). After 91 days the ISQ values were significantly higher than the baseline for all four implant types (p < 0.001). The ISQ and IT values were significantly correlated at the baseline and at the final evaluation for Osseotite, Nanotite, and SLActive implants (p < 0.001). After 91 days, ISQ and IT values were only significantly correlated for the Osseotite implants (p < 0.05). All implants types exhibited acceptable primary and secondary stability.

Characterization and Bone Response of Carbonate-Containing Apatite-Coated Titanium Implants Using an Aqueous Spray Coating

We performed thin carbonate-containing apatite (CA) coating on titanium (Ti) by an aqueous spray coating (ASC) method that consisted of a Ca-CO₃-PO₄ complex. Two different CA coatings were produced by two different spray amounts and were heat-treated after spraying. We evaluated three-dimensional structures, adhesiveness to Ti, and durability of the CA film. In addition, we performed immersion experiments in simulated body fluid (SBF), and bone responses were evaluated after implantation into a femoral bone defect in rats. The bonding ability of ASC-coated implant into the bone was examined by push-in tests. Unique network structures with small particles were identified on CA coatings. Although heat treatment produced no significant difference in surface morphology, scratch tests revealed that heat treatment improved the adhesion of CA coatings to Ti. Crystal formation progressed on CA-coated specimens, and the sample placement direction influenced crystal formation and growth in SBF immersion. Animal implantation experiments revealed significantly greater bone-to-implant contact ratio and bone mass in both cortical and bone marrow, respectively, four weeks after implantation. Push-in tests suggested that the bonding of the CA coating to Ti is clinically acceptable. Therefore, we conclude that CA coating to Ti by the ASC method would be possible for clinical applications, including dentistry.

Biomaterial Property Effects on Platelets and Macrophages: An in Vitro Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of surface properties of bone implants coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) on platelets and macrophages upon implant installation and compare them to grit-blasted Ti and Thermanox used as a control. Surface properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, crystallography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and coating stability. For platelets, platelet adherence and morphology were assessed. For macrophages, morphology, proliferation, and polarization were evaluated. Surface characterization showed similar roughness of ∼2.5 μm for grit-blasted Ti discs, both with and without coating. Coating stability assessment showed substantial dissolution of HA and β-TCP coatings. Platelet adherence was significantly higher for grit-blasted Ti, Ti-HA, and Ti-β-TCP coatings compared to that of cell culture control Thermanox. Macrophage cultures revealed a decreased proliferation on both HA and β-TCP coated discs compared to both Thermanox and grit-blasted Ti. In contrast, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β were marginal for grit-blasted Ti and Thermanox, while a coating-dependent increased secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed for HA and β-TCP coatings. The results demonstrated a significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion and marker gene expression of macrophages on HA and β-TCP coatings. Furthermore, HA induced an earlier M1 macrophage polarization but more M2 phenotype potency than β-TCP. In conclusion, our data showed that material surface affects the behaviors of first cell types attached to implants. Due to the demonstrated crucial roles of platelets and macrophages in bone healing and implant integration, this information will greatly aid the design of metallic implants for a higher rate of success in patients.

Improved shellac mediated nanoscale application drug release effect in a gastric-site drug delivery system

Six kinds of nanoscale application are designed in this study. A significant increase of drug release rate can be observed at the gastric site.

Calcium orthophosphate deposits: Preparation, properties and biomedical applications

Since various interactions among cells, surrounding tissues and implanted biomaterials always occur at their interfaces, the surface properties of potential implants appear to be of paramount importance for the clinical success. In view of the fact that a limited amount of materials appear to be tolerated by living organisms, a special discipline called surface engineering was developed to initiate the desirable changes to the exterior properties of various materials but still maintaining their useful bulk performances. In 1975, this approach resulted in the introduction of a special class of artificial bone grafts, composed of various mechanically stable (consequently, suitable for load bearing applications) implantable biomaterials and/or bio-devices covered by calcium orthophosphates (CaPO4) to both improve biocompatibility and provide an adequate bonding to the adjacent bones. Over 5000 publications on this topic were published since then. Therefore, a thorough analysis of the available literature has been performed and about 50 (this number is doubled, if all possible modifications are counted) deposition techniques of CaPO4 have been revealed, systematized and described. These CaPO4 deposits (coatings, films and layers) used to improve the surface properties of various types of artificial implants are the topic of this review.

Bioactive polymeric composites for tooth mineral regeneration: physicochemical and cellular aspects

Our studies of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-based dental materials are focused on the design of bioactive, non-degradable, biocompatible, polymeric composites derived from acrylic monomer systems and ACP by photochemical or chemically activated polymerization. Their intended uses include remineralizing bases/liners, orthodontic adhesives and/or endodontic sealers. The bioactivity of these materials originates from the propensity of ACP, once exposed to oral fluids, to release Ca and PO₄ ions (building blocks of tooth and bone mineral) in a sustained manner while spontaneously converting to thermodynamically stable apatite. As a result of ACP's bioactivity, local Ca- and PO₄-enriched environments are created with supersaturation conditions favorable for the regeneration of tooth mineral lost to decay or wear. Besides its applicative purpose, our research also seeks to expand the fundamental knowledge base of structure-composition-property relationships existing in these complex systems and identify the mechanisms that govern filler/polymer and composite/tooth interfacial phenomena. In addition to an extensive physicochemical evaluation, we also assess the leachability of the unreacted monomers and in vitro cellular responses to these types of dental materials. The systematic physicochemical and cellular assessments presented in this study typically provide model materials suitable for further animal and/or clinical testing. In addition to their potential dental clinical value, these studies suggest the future development of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials based on composite materials derived from biodegradable polymers and ACP, and designed primarily for general bone tissue regeneration.

Electrosprayed nanoparticles for drug delivery and pharmaceutical applications

Nanotechnology based Pharma has emerged significantly and has influenced the Pharma industry up to a considerable extent. Nanoparticles technology holds a good share of the nanotech Pharma and is significant in comparison with the other domains. Electrospraying technology answers the potential needs of nanoparticle production such as scalability, reproducibility, effective encapsulation etc. Many drugs have been electrosprayed with and without polymer carriers. Drug release characteristics are improved with the incorporation of biodegradable polymer carriers which sustain the release of encapsulated drug. Electrospraying is acknowledged as an important technique for the preparation of nanoparticles with respect to pharmaceutical applications. Herein we attempted to consolidate the reports pertaining to electrospraying and their corresponding therapeutic application area.

Calcium orthophosphate coatings, films and layers

In surgical disciplines, where bones have to be repaired, augmented or improved, bone substitutes are essential. Therefore, an interest has dramatically increased in application of synthetic bone grafts. As various interactions among cells, surrounding tissues and implanted biomaterials always occur at the interfaces, the surface properties of the implants are of the paramount importance in determining both the biological response to implants and the material response to the physiological conditions. Hence, a surface engineering is aimed to modify both the biomaterials, themselves, and biological responses through introducing desirable changes to the surface properties of the implants but still maintaining their bulk mechanical properties. To fulfill these requirements, a special class of artificial bone grafts has been introduced in 1976. It is composed of various mechanically stable (therefore, suitable for load bearing applications) biomaterials and/or bio-devices with calcium orthophosphate coatings, films and layers on their surfaces to both improve interactions with the surrounding tissues and provide an adequate bonding to bones. Many production techniques of calcium orthophosphate coatings, films and layers have been already invented and new promising techniques are continuously investigated. These specialized coatings, films and layers used to improve the surface properties of various types of artificial implants are the topic of this review.

ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC PROCESSING OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATES: COATING AND PATTERNING FOR MEDICAL IMPLANTS

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated metallic prostheses, which combine the osteoconductivity of HA and high strength of metallic alloys, have been increasingly the choice of joint replacement prostheses by surgeons as the general population lives longer. Surface modification of metallic implant surfaces is one of the key focal points to implantation technology. In addition to material chemistry, surface topography has been found to positively impact cellular response and is able to enhance the life time of the implant. Recently, a new technique, template-assisted electrohydrodynamic atomization (TAEA) spraying, developed using the principles of electrohydrodynamic atomization spraying, which is an electrically driven jet-based deposition method, is of considerable interest in surface topography formation. The process offers the attractive advantages of compatibility with micro-fabrication technology and versatility in pattern specification for advanced implant designs. This technology incorporates nanosized calcium phosphate to mimic the size and chemical composition of bone mineral in a micrometer-dimension pattern configuration to guide cellular responses. In vitro studies showed that both pillar and track nano Silicon-substituted HA (SiHA) patterns were able to encourage the attachment and growth of osteoblast cells, the track patterns provided the favourite surface for the initial cell attachment while a fast cell proliferation rate was found on the pillar pattern from day 1 to day 5 in comparison with that of a SiHA-coated surface. The alignment of actin cytoskeleton of osteoblast cells matched the orientation of the entire cell. The shear peel strength of the patterned interlocking nano-HA coating was found to be at least an order of magnitude higher than the conventional HA coating. Therefore, TAEA offers great potential for producing new coatings with a tailored surface topography, on both the micro- and nano-scale in a more cost effective way to enhance the performance of medical implants.

Biological response to titanium implants coated with nanocrystals calcium phosphate or type 1 collagen in a dog model

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of electrosprayed organic and non-organic surface coatings in a gap-implant model over 4 and 12 weeks of implantation into the dog mandible.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen Beagle dogs received experimental titanium implants in the mandible 3 months after removal of left premolars (P2, P3 and P4). Three types of implants were installed in each animal: non-coated implant, nano-CaP coated implant and implant with type 1 collagen coating. Both micro-CT and histomorphometry were used to evaluate peri-implant bone response after implantation periods of 4 and 12 weeks. The bone area percentage was assessed histomorphometrically in three different zones (inner: 0-300 μm; middle: 300-600 μm; and outer: 600-1000 μm) around the implant surface. Bone-bridging of the gap was also calculated for each sample.

RESULTS

Four weeks after implantation, nano-CaP and collagen-coated implants showed significantly higher bone volume (BV) in the inner zone compared with non-coated implants (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). After 12 weeks, histomorphometric analysis showed comparable amounts of BV between all experimental groups. Also, no significant difference was found in the BV, as measured using micro-CT, between the implant groups. Absolute bone ingrowth measurements were highest for collagen-coated implants, but these differences were not significant.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data failed to provide a consistent favourable effect on bone formation of the collagen coating over 3 months of implantation. It is concluded that the source of the collagen as well as the limited osseous environment overshadowed a possible effect of the applied implant surface modifications. Similarly, the tested nano-apatite surface coating did not improve peri-implant bone ingrowth into a gap-implant model.

Cytocompatibility of calcium phosphate coatings deposited by an ArF pulsed laser

In the current studies, we deposited ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films on a pure titanium substrate by pulsed laser deposition, and we examined the effects of these surfaces on rat bone marrow (RBM) cells. This method allowed deposition of 500-, 2,000-, and 5,000-A-thick hydroxyapatite films. X-ray diffraction showed that the amorphous films recrystallized to a hydroxyapatite crystal structure after annealing. The proliferation of RBM cells was unaffected by the hydroxyapatite films, but osteocalsin and alkaline phosphatase mRNA and protein levels were elevated in cells grown on 2,000- and 5,000-A-thick films. These results indicate that ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films generated by pulsed laser deposition are better at promoting osteogenesis than pure titanium surfaces.

Electrosprayed Nanoapatite: A New Generation of Bioactive Material

Fine nanoapatite relics were deposited on glass substrates by electrohydrodynamic atomisation, using nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), nano-carbonated hydroxyapatite (nCHA) and nanosilicon- substituted hydroxyapatite (nSiHA) suspensions. These electrosprayed nanoapatites were evaluated in-vitro using simulated body fluid (SBF) and human osteoblast (HOB) cells. The SBF study revealed that newly-formed apatite layers were observed on the surface of the relics. Furthermore, enhanced HOB cell growth was observed on each of the nanoapatites at all time points. Hence, this work demonstrated that electrosprayed nanoapatites offer considerable potential as biomaterials.

Cytocompatibility of calcium phosphate coatings deposited by an ArF pulsed laser

In the current studies, we deposited ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films on a pure titanium substrate by pulsed laser deposition, and we examined the effects of these surfaces on rat bone marrow (RBM) cells. This method allowed deposition of 500-, 2000-, and 5000-Angstrom-thick hydroxyapatite films. X-ray diffraction showed that the amorphous films recrystallized to a hydroxyapatite crystal structure after annealing. The proliferation of RBM cells was unaffected by the hydroxyapatite films, but osteocalsin and alkaline phosphatase mRNA and protein levels were elevated in cells grown on 2000- and 5000-Angstrom-thick films. These results indicate that ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films generated by pulsed laser deposition are better at promoting osteogenesis than pure titanium surfaces.

A Study of Hydroxyapatite Coating on Porous Ti Compact by Electrostatic Spray Deposition

Coatings of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the porous-surfaced Ti compact have been conducted by electrostatic spray deposition (EDS). The precursor solution for the HA coating by ESD was prepared by mixing nano-scaled HA powder with ethyl alcohol. As-deposited HA films on the substrate were heat-treated (400 ~ 900 °C) and their physical characteristics were investigated by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectronic Spectroscopy (XPS). As-deposited HA films were consisted of HA particles which were uniformly distributed on the Ti substrate, showing a porous structure. By heat treatment, HA particles were agglomerated each other and melted to form a highly dense and homogeneous coating layer consisted of equiaxed nano-scaled grains. HA coatings on the porous-surfaced Ti compact consisted of highly crystalline apatite phase with the Ca/P ratio of about 1.67 were successfully obtained by using ESD.

In vivo evaluation of the trabecular bone behavior to porous electrostatic spray deposition-derived calcium phosphate coatings

OBJECTIVES

Electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is a new technique to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bone behavior of ESD CaP-coated implants with various degrees of crystallinities in the trabecular bone of the femoral condyle of goats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using the ESD technique, thin porous CaP coatings were deposited on tapered, conical, screw-shaped titanium implants. Three different heat-treatments were applied, resulting in amorphous CaP (400 degrees C, ESD1), crystalline carbonate apatite (500 degrees C, ESD2), and crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (700 degrees C, ESD3). Implants were inserted into the trabecular bone of the femoral condyles of goats for 12 weeks, and titanium (Ti) implants served as controls.

RESULTS

The results showed that ESD-derived coatings are osteocompatible. Histomorphometrical analysis showed that the application of a CaP coating resulted in more bone contact along the press-fit area of the implant compared with the Ti implants. Moreover, the percentage bone contact of the ESD3-coated implants was increased, compared with the Ti control group. Regarding the other coatings, no differences were found compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite ESD-coated implants positively influenced the biological performance compared with Ti control implants.

The influence of the crystallinity of electrostatic spray deposition-derived coatings on osteoblast-like cell behavior, in vitro

This article describes the influence of the crystallinity of carbonate apatite (CA) coatings on osteoblast-like cell behavior. Porous CA coatings were produced with electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), and subsequently, received heat treatments of 400, 500, or 700 degrees C to induce various coating crystallinities. As a result, an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), a crystalline CA (CCA), and a crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) structure were formed, respectively. Uncoated titanium substrates served as the control group. After seeding rat osteoblast-like cells, the initial cell attachment was similar between the groups, and approached 100% after 6 h. Between the various coatings, no differences were observed for proliferation, differentiation, or mineralization. However, proliferation of the osteoblast-like cells was lower on all coated substrates after longer culture periods, compared to the uncoated substrates, while at the same time differentiation was stimulated. Furthermore, after 8 and 16 days of incubation, scanning electron microscopy showed more signs of mineralization on coated substrates, compared to the uncoated substrates. In conclusion, porous ESD-derived CA coatings have a positive effect on the in vitro differentiation of osteoblast-like cells, compared to uncoated, as-machined titanium. However, this effect is not further enhanced by the degree of crystallinity of the ESD-derived CA coatings.

Electrostatic Atomisation Spraying: A Novel Deposition Method for Nano-sized Hydroxyapatite

Nano-sized HA (nHA) was applied to the surface of glass and titanium substrates using electrostatic atomisation spray (EAS) deposition. The phase purity of nHA was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The nHA suspension consisted of rod–like particles 20-30nm in width and 50-100nm in length. The viscosity and conductivity of nHA suspension were 321 mPa s and 5.6 x 10-4 S/m, respectively. EAS of nHA in cone-jet mode was achieved at flow rate of 10-9 m3s-1 with the applied voltage between the needle and the ring-shaped ground electrode of ~6 kV. Micrometer- to submicrometerscaled nHA islands were successfully deposited on the substrate surface. Image analysis showed that the area percentage of nHA increased with deposition time, it covered 50% of the surface area after 10s of spraying. Partial dissolution of nHA was observed after immersion in deionised water for 1 month, particularly on the submicrometer sized nHA islands. Formation of a bone-like apatite layer was found after incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF K9) for 5 days, indicating the high bioactivity of the nHA deposits. In vitro culture with human osteoblast cells showed that the nHA islands were able to support the growth of HOB cells during 7 days of culture; the HOB cell activity increased with culture time as well as EAS deposition time. Immunofluorescence study showed that HOB cells expressed well-organised actin stress fibres on nHA deposited surfaces after 3 days of culture. The result indicated that nHA deposition provided more favourable surfaces for cell attachment. Therefore, electrostatic atomization spray deposition of nHA offers great potential for the creation of bioactive surfaces on bioinert implant surface to provide improved interfacial bonding with host tissues.

Novel silicon-doped hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) for biomedical coatings: Anin vitro study using acellular simulated body fluid

Magnetron co-sputtering was used to produce silicon-doped hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) as coatings intended for potential applications such as orthopedic and dental implants. It was found that the crystallinity of the as-sputtered coatings increased after annealing, resulting in a nanocrystalline apatite structure. Subsequently, the bioactivity of the coatings was evaluated in an acellular simulated body fluid (SBF). Physicochemical evaluation demonstrated that a carbonate-containing apatite layer, which is essential for bonding at the bone/implant interface, was formed on the coating surfaces after immersion in SBF between 4 and 7 days. The annealed coatings exhibited enhanced bioactivity and chemical stability under physiological conditions, as compared with the as-sputtered coatings. It is proposed that the rate at which the carbonate-containing apatite layer forms is dependent on the scale factor of the structure. A nanocrystalline structure can provide a higher number of nucleation sites for the formation of apatite crystallites, leading to a more rapid precipitation of carbonate-containing apatite layer. This work shows that Si-HA coatings offer considerable potential for applications in hard tissue replacement, owing to their ability to form a carbonate-containing apatite layer rapidly.

Novel deposition of nano-sized silicon substituted hydroxyapatite by electrostatic spraying

Suspensions containing nano-sized silicon substituted hydroxyaptite (nSiHA) particles were produced and processed for electrostatic spray deposition. No secondary phases were detected by X-ray diffraction, which indicated that the nSiHA was phase pure. Electrostatic spraying of nSiHA in cone-jet mode was achieved at flow rate of 10(-9) m3s(-1) with an applied voltage between the needle and the ring-shaped ground electrode set at 6 to 8 kV. Micrometer- and submicrometer-scaled islands of nSiHA have been deposited on glass and titanium substrates. The surface roughness of such nHA and nSiHA islands was in the range 60 to 80 nm, as measured from atomic force microscopy in tapping mode. The growth of primary human osteoblast (HOB) cells on the nSiHA deposited substrates increased with time during the 4 days of culture, and the increase was related with the Si content in substituted HA, indicating that nSiHA was able to promote and support the growth of HOB cells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by the HOB cells on these nSiHA deposits was well organized. In addition, the presence of Ca and P containing nodules in the ECM were also confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, indicating early signs of calcification fronts. The results showed that nSiHA produced by electrostatic spray deposition was able to promote the attachment and the growth of HOB cells. Therefore, electrostatic spray deposition offers great potential for the creation of bioactive surfaces to provide improved interfacial bonding with host tissues.

Sol-gel-modified titanium with hydroxyapatite thin films and effect on osteoblast-like cell responses

Titanium (Ti) surface was coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) films via the sol-gel method. The coating properties, such as crystallinity and surface roughness, were controlled and their effects on the osteoblast-like cell responses were investigated. The film crystallinity was controlled with different heat treatment temperatures (400, 500, and 600 degrees C): Also the surface roughness was changed by using different heating rates (1 and 50 degrees C/min). The obtained sol-gel films had a dense and homogeneous structure with a thickness about 1 mum. The film heat-treated at higher temperature had enhanced crystallinity (600>500>>400 degrees C), while retaining similar surface roughness. When heat-treated rapidly (50 degrees C/min), the film became quite rough, with roughness parameters being much higher (4-6 times) than that obtained at a low heating rate (1 degrees C/min). The dissolution rate of the film decreased with increasing crystallinity (400>>500>600 degrees C), and the rougher film had slightly higher dissolution rate. The attachment, proliferation, and differentiation behaviors of human osteosarcoma HOS TE85 cells were affected by the properties of the films. On the films with higher crystallinity (heat treated over 500 degrees C), the cells attached and proliferated well and expressed alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) to a higher degree as compared to the poorly crystallized film (heat treated at 400 degrees C). On the rough film, the cell attachment was enhanced, but the ALP and OC expression levels were similar as compared to the smooth films.

Novel Hydroxyapatite Coating on Alumina by Electrospraying

Electrospraying of nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) has been used as a technique to modify the surface of alumina in order to achieve the goal of improving bone integration. A porous HA coating on alumina was produced by heat treating electrsprayed HA. Preliminary in vitro studies shown that this porous HA coating provided a favourable surface for attachment and growth of HOB cells. The results indicate that electrospraying is a very promising technique to create thin HA coatings on a range of biomedical implants to improve interfacial bonding with the host tissue.