In vivo tensile testing of fluorapatite and hydroxylapatite plasma-sprayed coatings

Biological Safety Evaluation and Surface Modification of Biocompatible Ti-15Zr-4Nb Alloy

We performed biological safety evaluation tests of three Ti–Zr alloys under accelerated extraction condition. We also conducted histopathological analysis of long-term implantation of pure V, Al, Ni, Zr, Nb, and Ta metals as well as Ni–Ti and high-V-containing Ti–15V–3Al–3Sn alloys in rats. The effect of the dental implant (screw) shape on morphometrical parameters was investigated using rabbits. Moreover, we examined the maximum pullout properties of grit-blasted Ti–Zr alloys after their implantation in rabbits. The biological safety evaluation tests of three Ti–Zr alloys (Ti–15Zr–4Nb, Ti–15Zr–4Nb–1Ta, and Ti–15Zr–4Nb–4Ta) showed no adverse (negative) effects of either normal or accelerated extraction. No bone was formed around the pure V and Ni implants. The Al, Zr, Nb, and Ni–Ti implants were surrounded by new bone. The new bone formed around Ti–Ni and high-V-containing Ti alloys tended to be thinner than that formed around Ti–Zr and Ti–6Al–4V alloys. The rate of bone formation on the threaded portion in the Ti–15Zr–4Nb–4Ta dental implant was the same as that on a smooth surface. The maximum pullout loads of the grit- and shot-blasted Ti–Zr alloys increased linearly with implantation period in rabbits. The pullout load of grit-blasted Ti–Zr alloy rods was higher than that of shot-blasted ones. The surface roughness (Ra) and area ratio of residual Al₂O₃ particles of the Ti–15Zr–4Nb alloy surface grit-blasted with Al₂O₃ particles were the same as those of the grit-blasted Alloclassic stem surface. It was clarified that the grit-blasted Ti–15Zr–4Nb alloy could be used for artificial hip joint stems.

Comparative investigation into effects of ZrO2 and Al2O3 addition in fluorapatite laser-clad composite coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy

Composite coatings consisting of fluorapatite mixed with 20 wt% yttria (3 mol%) stabilized cubic phase zirconia (c-ZrO₂, 3Y-TZP) or 20 wt% alumina (α-Al₂O₃) were deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates using a Nd:YAG laser cladding system. The interface morphology, phase composition, micro-hardness and biological properties of the two coatings were examined and compared. The results showed that the fluorapatite/Al₂O₃ specimen underwent a greater inter-diffusion at the interface between the coating layer and the transition layer than the fluorapatite/ZrO₂ specimen. During the cladding process, the ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ components of the coating were completely decomposed or underwent phase transformation. In addition, the fluorapatite was partially decomposed. For both specimens, the coating layers contained fluorapatite, CaF₂ and CaTiO₃ phases. The coating layer of the fluorapatite/ZrO₂ specimen additionally contained TTCP, CaO, CaZrO₃ and m-ZrO₂ (monoclinic phase), while that of the fluorapatite/Al₂O₃ specimen contained β-TCP, CaAl₂O₄ and θ-Al₂O₃. The average micro-hardness of the fluorapatite/ZrO₂ coating layer (1300 HV) was approximately 200 HV higher than that of the fluorapatite/Al₂O₃ coating layer (1100 HV). Both specimens generated dense bone-like apatite following immersion in simulated body fluid for 3 days. In other words, both specimens had a good in vitro bioactivity. However, the fluorapatite/ZrO₂ specimen showed a better initial attachment and spread of osteoblast-like osteosarcoma MG63 cells than the fluorapatite/Al₂O₃ specimen in in vitro biocompatibility tests performed for 24 h.

Bone response to porous alumina implants coated with bioactive materials, observed using different characterization techniques

Background

Implants or implantable devices should integrate into the host tissue faster than fibrous capsule formation, in which the design of the interface is one of the biggest challenges. Generally, bioactive materials are not viable for load-bearing applications, so inert biomaterials are proposed. However, the surface must be modified through techniques such as coating with bioactive materials, roughness and sized pores. The aim of this research was to validate an approach for the evaluation of the tissue growth on implants of porous alumina coated with bioactive materials.

Methods

Porous alumina implants were coated with 45S5 Bioglass® (BG) and hydroxyapatite (HA) and implanted in rat tibiae for a period of 28 days. Ex vivo resections were performed to analyze osseointegration, along with histological analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) line scanning, radiography and biomechanical testing.

Results

Given that the process of implant integration needs with the bone tissue to be accelerated, it was then seen that BG acted to start the rapid integration, and HA acted to sustaining the process.

Conclusions

Inert materials coated with bioglass and HA present a potential for application as bone substitutes, preferably with pores of diameters between 100 μm and 400 μm and, restrict for smaller than 100 μm, because it prevents pores without organized tissue formation or vacant. Designed as functional gradient material, stand out for applications in bone tissue under load, where, being the porous surface responsible for the osseointegration and the inner material to bear and to transmit the loads.

Bioactive, nanostructured Si-substituted hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium prepared by pulsed laser deposition

AIMS

The aim of this work was to deposit silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (Si-HAp) coatings on titanium for biomedical applications, since it is known that Si-HAp is able to promote osteoblastic cells activity, resulting in the enhanced bone ingrowth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method was used for coatings preparation. For depositions, Si-HAp targets (1.4 wt % of Si), made up from nanopowders synthesized by wet method, were used.

RESULTS

Microstructural and mechanical properties of the produced coatings, as a function of substrate temperature, were investigated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Vickers microhardness. In the temperature range of 400-600°C, 1.4-1.5 µm thick Si-HAp films, presenting composition similar to that of the used target, were deposited. The prepared coatings were dense, crystalline, and nanostructured, characterized by nanotopography of surface and enhanced hardness. Whereas the substrate temperature of 750°C was too high and led to the HAp decomposition. Moreover, the bioactivity of coatings was evaluated by in vitro tests in an osteoblastic/osteoclastic culture medium (α-Modified Eagle's Medium).

CONCLUSIONS

The prepared bioactive Si-HAp coatings could be considered for applications in orthopedics and dentistry to improve the osteointegration of bone implants.

Biological response of human mesenchymal stromal cells to titanium grade 4 implants coated with PCL/ZrO₂ hybrid materials synthesized by sol-gel route: in vitro evaluation

The surface modification of implantable materials in order to improve their biological proprieties, including tissue tolerance and osseointegration ability, by means of functional coating deposition is a promising strategy to provide a firm fixation of the implants. In this study, organic/inorganic hybrid materials consisting of an inorganic zirconia-based matrix, in which a biocompatible polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), has been incorporated at different percentages, have been synthesized via sol-gel route. Developed materials have been used to coat titanium grade 4 substrates by means of dip coating technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the obtained coatings has shown that films crack-free can be obtained for high levels of PCL. Chemical composition and interactions between organic and inorganic moieties have been studied by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy. The bone-bonding capability of the nanocomposite films has been evaluated in vitro by examining the appearance of an apatite layer on their surface when soaked in a simulated body fluid by means of SEM equipped with EDS microanalysis. In vitro biocompatibility assessment was performed in combination with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). Materials were found to be non-toxic and supporting cell proliferation. Additionally, the coating material was not hampering the differentiation of hMSCs in an osteogenic medium.

Influence of PCL on mechanical properties and bioactivity of ZrO2-based hybrid coatings synthesized by sol-gel dip coating technique

The biological properties of medical implants can be enhanced through surface modifications such as to provide a firm attachment of the implant. In this study, organic-inorganic hybrid coatings have been synthesized via sol-gel dip coating. They consist of an inorganic ZrO2 matrix in which different amounts of poly(ε-caprolactone) have been entrapped to improve the mechanical properties of the films. The influence of the PCL amount on the microstructural, biological and mechanical properties of the coating has been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses have shown that the hybrids used for the coating are homogenous and totally amorphous materials; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has demonstrated that hydrogen bonds arise between the organic and inorganic phases. SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have highlighted the nanostructured nature of the film. SEM and EDS analyses, after soaking the samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF), have pointed out the apatite formation on the coating surface, which proves the bone-bonding ability of the nanocomposite bioactive films. Scratch and nano-indentation tests have shown that the coating hardness, stiffness and Young's modulus decrease in the presence of large amounts of the organic phase.

Promotion of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and increase of bone-bonding ability in vivo using urease-treated titanium coated with calcium phosphate and gelatin

Because of its excellent biocompatibility and low allergenicity, titanium has been widely used for bone replacement and tissue engineering. To produce a desirable composite with enhanced bone response and mechanical strength, in this study bioactive calcium phosphate (CaP) and gelatin composites were coated onto titanium (Ti) via a novel urease technique. The cellular responses to the CaP/gelatin/Ti (CaP/gel/Ti) and bone bonding ability were evaluated with proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti in vitro. The results showed that the optical density values, alkaline phosphatase expression and genes expression of MSCs on CaP/gel/Ti were similar to those on CaP/Ti, yet significantly higher than those on pure Ti (p < 0.05). CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti rods (2 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were also implanted into femoral shaft of rabbits and pure Ti rods served as control (n = 10). Histological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. The histological and SEM observations demonstrated clearly that more new bone formed on the surface of CaP/gel/Ti than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti bonded to the surrounding bone directly with no intervening soft tissue layer. An interfacial layer, containing Ti, Ca and P, was found to form at the interface between bone and the implant on all three groups by EDS analysis. However, the content of Ca, P in the surface of CaP/gel/Ti implants was more than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti modified by the urease method was not only beneficial for MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, but also favorable for bone bonding ability on Ti implants in vivo, suggesting that Ti functionalized with CaP and gelatin might have a great potential in clinical joint replacement or dental implants.

Preparation, characterization, and biological properties of organic-inorganic nanocomposite coatings on titanium substrates prepared by sol-gel

When surface-reactive (bioactive) coatings are applied to medical implants by means of the sol-gel dip-coating technique, the biological proprieties of the surface of the implant can be locally modified to match the properties of the surrounding tissues to provide a firm fixation of the implant. The aim of this study has been to synthesize, via sol-gel, organoinorganic nanoporous materials and to dip-coat a substrate to use in dental applications. Different systems have been prepared consisting of an inorganic zirconium-based matrix, in which a biodegradable polymer, the poly-ε-caprolactone was incorporated in different percentages. The materials synthesized by the sol-gel process, before gelation, when they were still in sol phase, have been used to coat a titanium grade 4 (Ti-4) substrate to change its surface biological properties. Thin films have been obtained by means of the dip-coating technique. A microstructural analysis of the obtained coatings was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The biological proprieties have been investigated by means of tests in vitro. The bone-bonding capability of the nanocomposite films has been evaluated by examining the appearance of apatite on their surface when plunged in a simulated body fluid (SBF) with ion concentrations nearly equal to those of human blood plasma. The examination of apatite formation on the nanocomposites, after immersion in SBF, has been carried out by SEM equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. To evaluate cells-materials interaction, human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2) has been seeded on specimens and cell vitality evaluated by WST-8 assay.

Cementless second-generation hydroxyapatite CaP-coated tibial component: an 8.7-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

This is the first study that reports on the mid-term results of 81 patients suffering from arthritis of the knee, treated with a cementless second-generation hydroxyapatite calcium phosphate (CaP)-coated tibial component.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-six knees with osteoarthritis were evaluated according to the Knee Society clinical, functional and radiological score, the Hospital for Special Surgery Rating System and the Patella Score. The clinical and radiological parameters were assessed preoperatively and after a mean follow-up of 8.7 years.

RESULTS

All the three score systems revealed excellent clinical outcomes after the follow-up period. The mean preoperative Knee Society clinical Score was 124.41 ± 12.99 and the mean postoperative score was 187.07 ± 14.59 at the time of the final consultation (p = 0.0008). The survival rate was 97.5 %. Radiolucency of <1 mm around the uncemented hydroxyapatite CaP-coated tibial component without accompanying pain symptoms was seen in fewer than 6 % of cases. In two cases, a medial cyst, also without other clinical symptoms, was observed beside the tip of the tibial fixation screw.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the uncemented second-generation hydroxyapatite CaP-coated tibial component performed well at mid-term follow-up, and provides sufficiently stable bone ingrowth fixation.

Crystallographically engineered, hydrothermally crystallized hydroxyapatite films: an in vitro study of bioactivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity of hydroxyapatite films composed of hexagonal single crystals that display {1010} and {0001} crystallographic faces. The effect of engineered [0001] crystallographic orientation was investigated in parallel. Films were deposited by triethyl phosphate/ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid doubly regulated hydrothermal crystallization on Ti6Al4V substrates (10, 14, 24 h). Bioactivity was investigated by analysis of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast spreading using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative analysis of cell metabolic activity (Alamar Blue) (0-28 days). Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to evaluate the ability of films to support the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts into matrix-secreting, mineralizing osteoblasts. Results demonstrated that all films enabled MC3T3-E1 cells to spread, grow, and differentiate into matrix-secreting osteoblasts, which deposited biomineral that could not be removed after extraction of organic material. Differences in [0001] HA crystallographic orientation were not, however, found to significantly affect bioactivity. Based on these results, it is concluded that these hydrothermal hydroxyapatite films are non-toxic, bioactive, osteoconductive, and biomineral bonding. The lack of a relationship between reported hydroxyapatite crystallographic face specific protein adsorption and bulk HA bioactivity are discussed in terms of crystallographic texture, surface roughness, assay robustness, and competitive protein adsorption.

Preparation of hydroxyapatite-nanocrystal-coated stainless steel, and its cell interaction

Calcined nanocrystals of hydroxyapatite (HAp) having spherical or rod-shaped morphologies were coated through covalent linkage on a type 316L stainless steel substrate, which was chemically modified by the graft polymerization of gamma-methacryloxypropyl triethoxysilane (MPTS) at 70-110 degrees C. The grafting of poly(MPTS) on the substrate was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR). In order to coat the substrate with the HAp crystals through covalent linkage, the reactionbetween the alkoxysilyl groupsin the poly (MPTS) grafted on the substrate and the OH groups on the HAp crystals was conducted at 80 degrees C. The poly(MPTS)-grafted substrate was strongly coated with the HAp nanocrystals, although the HAp crystals adsorbed physically on the original substrate without poly(MPTS) grafting were removed by ultrasonic treatment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) adhered in larger numbers on the HAp-coated stainless steel substrate as compared with the original substrate after 24 h of initial incubation. The number of HUVEC adhered on the rod-shaped HAp-coated substrate was not significantly different from that on the spherical HAp-coated substrate under the present conditions.

Modification of Ti implant surface for cell proliferation and cell alignment

Surface properties of implants are the keys for ensuring their long-lasting anchorage to the tissue. This study aims to develop a novel implant surface microstructure with high biocompatibility and ability of guided tissue formation. By a photolithography method, gold (Au) grids (1 x 1 mm(2) square lattices, 10 mum in grid-line width) were deposited on titanium substrates. They were oxidized with H(2)O(2) solution to yield titania (anatase) layer, and the Au grid formed channels due to larger molar volume of anatase than Ti. L-Cysteine and type I collagen were then immobilized on them to yield the target substrates, CHT-Au-cys-col. Apatite deposited within 3 days when they were soaked in Kokubo's simulated body fluid, regardless of the protein coating, but not on the bottom of the Au channel. Osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured on the CHT-Au-cys-col substrates, showing that (1) the cysteine-collagen coating promoted cell attachment and proliferation, and (2) the Au channels were filled with the cells which were aligned along the channel direction and were connected to the neighboring cells as well as attached to the channel wall with cytoplasmic extensions. The results thus ensured filopodial guidance for the substrates.

Sol-Gel-derived TiO2-SiO2 implant coatings for direct tissue attachment. Part II: Evaluation of cell response

Silica-releasing sol-gel derived TiO2-SiO2 coatings with tailored nanostructure were evaluated in fibroblast and osteoblast cell cultures. The adhesion of both fibroblasts and osteoblasts proceeded within two hours. The highest fibroblast proliferation activities were observed on the TiO2-SiO2 (70:30) and (30:70) coatings. However, the cell layer on TiO2-SiO2 (30:70) coating was disordered. Prolonged osteoblast activity was observed on the coatings as a function of increased amount of released silica. At day 21 the surfaces were fully covered by the calcified nodules and extracellular matrix except for the coatings TiO2-SiO2 (10:90) i.e. having the highest SiO2 amount. The results suggested that TiO2-SiO2 (70:30) was the best for fibroblasts and TiO2-SiO2 (30:70) for osteoblasts. The applicability of the sol-gel derived TiO2 and TiO2-SiO2 coatings as an alternative for the calcium phosphate based implant coatings are discussed.

In vitro andin vivo biological responses of plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings with posthydrothermal treatment

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of post-hydrothermal treatment on the biological responses of the plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated Ti-6Al-4V implant system both in vitro and in vivo. After hydrothermal treatment, the HA coating (HAC) shows the high mechanical strength and indices-of-crystallinity, denser microstructure, lower concentrations of amorphous and impurity phases, when compared with the as-sprayed HAC. The in vitro cell-culture studies, using UMR106 osteoblast-like cell, demonstrated no signifiacnt cell growth on both surface of as-sprayed and hydrothermal-treated HACs during 10-day culture. The in vivo studies, using the transcortical implant model in the femora of goats, evaluated the histological responses of two coatings. After 6 week of implantation, using backscattered electron images, no substantial histological variations in the extents of new bone apposition and new bone healing between the two HACs were observed. However, the as-sprayed HAC, owing to the dissolution induced the granular particles dissociated from the HAC, showed the statically lower extent of new bone apposition than hydrothermal-treated HAC at 12 weeks. The results suggest that hydrothermal treatment could be used to improve the mechanical strength, crystallinity, and phase composition of HAC, which are important factors of long-term fixation and stability of implant. Besides, the treated HAC could also achieve the initial fixation of implant in clinical use.

Influence of TiO2 and Ag2O addition on tricalcium phosphate ceramics

Degradation of implanted ceramics allows for bone in-growth and eventual replacement with natural tissue. Calcium phosphate-based materials have gained the most significant attention because of their excellent biocompatibility and compositional similarities to natural bone. Adding various dopants to these ceramics significantly influences critical properties. In this study, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) compacts were fabricated via uniaxial compression with four compositions: (i) pure TCP, (ii) TCP with 1.0 wt % TiO(2), (iii) TCP with 0.5 wt % Ag(2)O, and (iv) ternary of TCP and 1.0 wt % TiO(2), and 0.5 wt % Ag(2)O. These compacts were sintered at 1250 degrees C for 4 h to obtain dense ceramic structures. Phase analyses were carried out using an X-ray diffractometer. The presence of TiO(2) in TCP improved densification and increased compression strength from 70 (+/-25) to 145 (+/-40) MPa. The ternary composition had the highest density and compression strength of 180 (+/-15) MPa. Human osteoblast cell growth behavior was studied using an osteoprecursor cell line (OPC 1) to assure that the biocompatibility of these ceramics was not altered due to the dopants. For long-term biodegradation studies, density, weight change, surface microstructure, and uniaxial compression strength were measured as a function of time in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Weight gain in SBF correlated strongly with precipitation viewed in the inter-connected pores of the samples. After 3 months in SBF, a 35% drop in compression strength was noticed for pure TCP, but for doped compositions, no strength loss was noticed.

Bond-coating in plasma-sprayed calcium-phosphate coatings

The influence of bond-coating on the mechanical properties of plasma-spray coatings of hydroxyatite on Ti was investigated. Plasma-spray powder was produced from human teeth enamel and dentine. Before processing the main apatite coating, a very thin layer of Al2O3/TiO2 was applied on super clean and roughened, by Al2O3 blasting, Ti surface as bond-coating. The experimental results showed that bond-coating caused significant increase of the mechanical properties of the coating layer: In the case of the enamel powder from 6.66 MPa of the simple coating to 9.71 MPa for the bond-coating and in the case of the dentine powder from 6.27 MPa to 7.84 MPa, respectively. Both tooth derived powders feature high thermal stability likely due to their relatively high content of fluorine. Therefore, F-rich apatites, such those investigated in this study, emerge themselves as superior candidate materials for calcium phosphate coatings of producing medical devices. The methods of apatite powder production and shaping optimization of powder particles are both key factors of a successful coating. The methods used in this study can be adopted as handy, inexpensive and reliable ways to produce high quality of powders for plasma spray purposes.

Characterization of functionally graded hydroxyapatite/titanium composite coatings plasma-sprayed on Ti alloys

Bioceramic coatings like hydroxyapatite (HA) have shown promising bioactive properties in load-bearing implant applications. The aim of this work is to deposit functionally graded HA/Ti layers consisting of an underlying Ti bond coat, the alternating layer, and an HA top-layer on Ti6Al4V substrates using plasma spray to improve the coating-substrate interface properties. The alternating layers were created by means of changing the feeding rate and input power of Ti and HA powders, which gradually decrease Ti content with increasing depth from the Ti bond-coat. The major consideration is to examine the stability of the graded coatings. Experimental results indicated that surface chemistry and morphology of the graded coatings were similar to those of monolithic HA coatings. The bond strength values of the as-sprayed graded coatings were much superior to those of monolithic HA coatings. The cyclic fatigue did have a statistically significant effect on bond strength of monolithic HA coatings, with a decrease of 23%. However, the graded coatings were able to survive 1 million cycles of loading in air without significantly reduced bond strength. The in vitro electrochemical measurement results also indicated that the graded coatings had a more beneficial and desired behavior than monolithic HA coatings after fatigue.

Surface analysis and biocorrosion properties of nanostructured surface sol–gel coatings on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy implants

Surfaces of biocompatible alloys used as implants play a significant role in their osseointegration. Surface sol-gel processing (SSP), a variant of the bulk sol-gel technique, is a relatively new process to prepare bioreactive nanostructured titanium oxide for thin film coatings. The surface topography, roughness, and composition of sol-gel processed Ti6Al4V titanium alloy coatings was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS). This was correlated with corrosion properties, adhesive strength, and bioreactivity in simulated body fluids (SBF). Electroimpedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization studies indicated similar advantageous corrosion properties between sol-gel coated and uncoated Ti6Al4V, which was attributed to the stable TiO2 composition, topography, and adhesive strength of the sol-gel coating. In addition, inductive coupled plasma (ICP) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) analysis of substrates immersed in SBF revealed higher deposition of calcium and phosphate and low release rates of alloying elements from the sol-gel modified alloys. The equivalent corrosion behavior and the definite increase in nucleation of calcium apatite indicate the potential of the sol-gel coating for enhanced bioimplant applications.

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.

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.

An Investigation of Residual Stress of Porous Titania Layer by Micro-Arc Oxidation under Different Voltages

The surface modification of titanium by micro-arc oxidation under different voltages was processed to achieve good direct oseointegration. The new technique of two-dimensional X-ray diffraction was used to measure the residual stress of the layer. The results show that a porous titania layer containing Ca and P is obtained by micro-arc oxidation. The pore size and Ca/P of the layer are affected by the voltage. The high voltage can induce forming CaTiO3. The residual stress under different voltage is compressive stress and increases with the improvement of the voltage.

Magnetron co-sputtered silicon-containing hydroxyapatite thin films—an in vitro study

The use of silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) as a biomaterial has been reported recently. In vivo testing has shown that Si-HA promotes early bonding of the bone/implant interface. In order to extend its usage to major load-bearing applications such as artificial hip replacement implants, it has been proposed that the material could be used in the form of a coating on implant surfaces. This paper reports a preliminary study of the biocompatibility of magnetron co-sputtered silicon-containing hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) coatings on a metallic substrate. Magnetron co-sputtered Si-HA films of thickness 600 nm with a Si content of approximately 0.8 wt% were produced on titanium substrates. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the as-deposited Si-HA films were either amorphous or made up of very small crystals. The crystallinity of Si-HA films was increased after post-deposition heat treatment at 700 degrees C for 3 h, and the principal peaks were attributable to HA. The formation of nano-scale silicon-calcium phosphate precipitates was noted on the heat-treated films. In vitro cell culture has demonstrated that human osteoblast-like cells attached and grew well on all films, with the highest cell growth and signs of mineralisation observed on the heat-treated Si-HA films. In addition, many focal contacts were produced on the films and the cells had well-defined actin cytoskeletal organisation. This work shows that as-deposited and heat-treated Si-HA films have excellent bioactivity and are good candidates when rapid bone apposition is required. Furthermore, heat-treated Si-HA films have improved biostability compared to as-deposited films under physiological conditions.

A new way of incorporating silicon in hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) as thin films

Bioactive silicon-containing hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) thin films that can be used as coatings for bone tissue replacement have been developed. A magnetron co-sputtering technique was used to deposit Si-HA films up to 700 nm thick on titanium substrates, with a silicon level up to 1.2 wt%. X-ray diffraction demonstrated that annealing transformed the as-deposited Si-HA films which were amorphous, into a crystalline HA structure. A human osteoblast-like (HOB) cell model was used to determine the biocompatibility of these films. HOB cells were seen to attach and grow well on the Si-HA films, and the metabolic activity of HOB cells on these films was observed to increase with culture time. Furthermore, mineralisation of the cell layers was observed after 8 weeks of culture. Based on the present findings, Si-HA of different film compositions demonstrate bioactive properties in-vitro, and indicate the potential as biocoatings for a wide variety of medical implants including load-bearing applications such as the femoral stem of hip replacement implants.

Acid-induced bioactive titania surface

Nano- and conventional-TiO(2) powders were deposited onto titanium alloy using atmospheric plasma spraying technology. As-sprayed titania coatings were treated by H(2)SO(4) and HCl solutions at room temperature for 24 h, and the bioactivity was evaluated by simulated body fluid tests. Measured X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that as-sprayed titania coatings obtained from both nano and conventional powders were composed of primary rutile as well as a small quantity of anatase and Ti(3)O(5). The surface of as-sprayed coatings prepared from the conventional powder was rougher than that from nanopowder. After immersion in simulated body fluid for 2 weeks, both acid-treated nano- and titania coatings have induced carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite to form on the surfaces. However, this phenomenon did not appear on the surface of as-sprayed nano- and conventional-titania coatings. The results obtained indicated that the bioactivity of plasma sprayed titania coatings was improved by the acid treatment and had nothing to do with phase composition and particle size of the original TiO(2) powders.

Mediation of bone ingrowth in porous hydroxyapatite bone graft substitutes

Previous investigations have shown that both the early biological response and the mechanical properties of a porous hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute are highly sensitive to its pore structure. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the pore structure continued to influence bone integration in the medium to long term. Two screened batches of porous hydroxyapatite (PHA) designated as batch A and batch B, with porosities of approximately 60 and 80%, respectively, were selected for this study and implanted for periods of 5, 13, and 26 weeks into the lower femur of New Zealand White rabbits. Histomorphometric analysis of the absolute volume of bone ingrowth within batch A and B implants from 5 to 26 weeks showed that the absolute volume of bone ingrowth was consistently lower in batch A (10-21%), compared to batch B implants (24-31%). However, when the volume of bone ingrowth was normalised for the available pore space, this difference was reduced (23-47% and 32-42% for batches A and B, respectively). These observations suggest that differences in the volume of bone ingrowth initially depended on pore interconnectivity rather than pore size, whereas the volume or morphology of the PHA influenced the volume and morphology of bone ingrowth at later time points. Compression testing showed that bone ingrowth had a strong reinforcing effect on PHA bone graft substitutes, and a strong correlation was identified between mechanical properties and the absolute volume of ingrowth for both batches A and B. Furthermore, at 13 and 26 weeks, there was no significant variation in the ultimate compressive strength of integrated batch A and B implants. This similarity in ultimate mechanical properties indicated that the absolute volume of ingrowth may be mediated by the PHA structure through its impact on the dynamics of the local biomechanical environment. The results of push-out testing showed that fixation of PHA bone graft substitutes was independent of density within the range studied, with no significant difference in the interfacial shear stress between batches A and B at each time point throughout the study.

In vivo comparison of the osseointegration of vacuum plasma sprayed titanium- and hydroxyapatite-coated implants

For the last 15 years, orthopedic implants have been coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) to improve implant fixation. The osteoconductive effect of HA coatings has been demonstrated in experimental and clinical studies. However, there are ongoing developments to improve the quality of HA coatings. The objective of this study was to investigate whether a rough and highly crystalline HA coating applied by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) had a positive effect on the osseointegration of special, high-grade titanium (Ti) implants with the same surface roughness. Ti alloy implants were coated (VPS) with special, high-grade Ti or HA. The osseointegration of the implants was evaluated by either light microscopy or pullout tests after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of unloaded implantation in the cancellous bone of 18 sheep. The interface shear strength increased significantly over all time intervals. By 4 weeks, values had reached approximately 10N/mm(2). However, the difference between the coatings was not significant at any time interval. Direct bone-implant contact was significantly different between the coatings after 2 and 4 weeks, and reached 46% for Ti and 68% for HA implants by 4 weeks. This study indicates that the use of a rough and highly crystalline HA coating, applied by VPS, enhances early osseointegration. Accelerated establishment of secondary implant fixation decreases the risk of early loosening.

Impact formation and microstructure characterization of thermal sprayed hydroxyapatite/titania composite coatings

Formation mechanism of hydroxyapatite (HA)/titania (TiO(2)) composite coating deposited by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process was studied, and its structural characterization was conducted and elaborated in this paper. The impact theory was employed to analyze the formation procedure of the HA/titania composite coatings. Results revealed that the crater caused by the impact of entirely unmelted TiO(2) particles on the HA matrix during coating formation was of smaller dimensions than the original size of the reinforcements. It was found that chemical reaction between the mechanically blended HA and TiO(2) powder took place exclusively during the impingement stage, and calcium titanate, CaTiO(3), was one notable by-product. The bonding between the HA matrix and TiO(2) reinforcement might have been achieved predominantly through a chemical bond that resulted from the mutual chemical reactions among the components. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that the chemical reaction between HA and TiO(2) was at approximately 1410 degrees C. The TiO(2) addition was found to exert particular effects on the thermal behavior of HA at elevated temperatures, during both heating and cooling cycles. Transmission electron microscopy observation identified the chemical reaction zone between HA and TiO(2), which revealed an improved splats' interface. The reaction zone demonstrated some influence on the grain size of HA nearby during resolidification of the melted portion. A structural model was proposed to illustrate the location of the different phases in the HA/titania composite coating.

The use of a coin shaped implant for direct in situ measurement of attachment strength for osseointegrating biomaterial surfaces

Most animal models currently used to study the retention of implants in bone are influenced by shear forces introduced during the retention test. This is mainly due to the implant design, which most often are cylindrical, conical or threaded. In these models interlocking between bone and implant surface will increase the effect of genuine bone bonding and thus give a false positive outcome. The purpose of the present study was to establish a model for testing functional attachment of implants in situ, with minimal influence of interlocking and shear forces. The model involves the use of flat coin shaped implant placed onto the cortical bone of rabbit tibia without mechanical fixation to the bone. The implant is passively retained on the cortical bone by a titanium band retainer. During the healing period, the contact between the coin shaped implants and the bone is restricted to the flat test surfaces. To prevent interlocking effects from lateral bone attachments a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cap covering the vertical and the upper faces of the implants were used. The tensile test was performed with a gradual, calibrated pull, perpendicular to the bone-implant interface. This pullout model makes it possible to study the kinetics and strength of bone bonding with negligible influence of shear forces or mechanical interlocking.

Surface and biological evaluation of hydroxyapatite-based coatings on titanium deposited by different techniques

Hydroxyapatite coatings have been deposited on titanium cp by plasma spray, sol-gel, and sputtering techniques for dental implant applications. The latter two techniques are of current interest, as they allow coatings of micrometer dimensions to be deposited. Coating morphology, composition, and structure have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All coatings were homogeneous and exhibited a rough morphology suitable for implant applications. The sputtered (after annealing), plasma spray, and sol-gel coatings all showed diffraction peaks corresponding to hydroxyapatite. The surface contaminants were observed to be different for the different coating types. The sputtered coatings were found to have a composition most similar to hydroxyapatite; the sol-gel deposits also showed a high concentration of hydroxyl ions. A discrepancy in the Ca/P ratio was observed for the plasma spray coatings, and a small concentration of carbonate ions was found in the sputter-deposited coatings. The in vitro cell-culture studies using MG63 osteoblast-like cells demonstrated the ability of cells to proliferate on the materials tested. The sol-gel coating promotes higher cell growth, greater alkaline phosphatase activity, and greater osteocalcin production compared to the sputtered and plasma-sprayed coatings.

Titanium metals form direct bonding to bone after alkali and heat treatments

In this article we evaluated the bone-bonding strengths of titanium and titanium alloy implants with and without alkali and heat treatments using the conventional canine femur push-out model. Four kinds of smooth cylindrical implants, made of pure titanium or three titanium alloys, were prepared with and without alkali and heat treatments. The implants were inserted hemitranscortically into canine femora. The bone-bonding shear strengths of the implants were measured using push-out test. At 4 weeks all types of the alkali- and heat-treated implants showed significantly higher bonding strength (2.4-4.5 MPa) than their untreated counterparts (0.3-0.6 MPa). At 12 weeks the bonding strengths of the treated implants showed no further increase, while those of the untreated implants had increased to 0.6-1.2MPa. Histologically, alkali- and heat-treated implants showed direct bonding to bony tissue without intervening fibrous tissue. On the other hand, untreated implants usually had intervening fibrous tissue at the interface between bone and the implant. The early and strong bonding to bone of alkali- and heat-treated titanium and its alloys without intervening fibrous tissue may be useful in establishing cementless stable fixation of orthopedic implants.

The influence of titania/hydroxyapatite composite coatings on in vitro osteoblasts behaviour

The biocompatibility of titania/hydroxyapatite (TiO2 /HA) composite coatings, at different ratio obtained by sol-gel process, were investigated studying the behaviour of human MG63 osteoblast-like cells. The biocompatibility was evaluated by means of cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility tests. Cytotoxicity tests, i.e., neutral red (NR), MTT and kenacid blue (KB) assays, were performed to assess the influence of the material extracts on lysosomes, mitochondria and cell proliferation, respectively. Cell proliferation, some preliminary indications of cell morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen and osteocalcin production of MG63 cells, cultured directly onto TiO2/HA substrates, were evaluated. The results showed that these materials have no toxic effects. Cell growth and morphology were similar on all the materials tested: on the contrary, alkaline-phosphatase-specific activity and collagen production of osteoblasts cultured on TiO2/HA coatings were significantly higher than uncoated titanium and polystyrene of culture plate and were influenced by chemical composition of the coatings. In particular, TiO2/HA coating at 1:1 ratio (w/w) seems to stimulate more than others the expression of some differentiation markers of osteoblastic phenotype. TiO2/HA coatings resulted to be bioactive owing to the presence of hydroxyl groups detected on their surface that promote the calcium and phosphate precipitation and improve the interactions with osteoblastic cells.

Alkali- and heat-treated porous titanium for orthopedic implants

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of the alkali and heat treatments on the bone-bonding behavior of porous titanium implants. Porous titanium implants had a 4.6 mm solid core and a 0.7 mm thick porous outer layer using pure titanium plasma-spray technique. Three types of porous implants were prepared from these pieces: 1.control implant (CL implant) as manufactured 2.AW-glass ceramic bottom-coated implant (AW implant) in which AW-glass ceramic was coated on only the bottom of the pore of the implant 3.alkali- and heat-treated implant (AH implant), where implants were immersed in 5 mol/L NaOH solution at 60 degrees C for 24 h and subsequently heated at 600 degrees C for 1 h. The implants were inserted into bilateral femora of six dogs hemi-transcortically in a randomized manner. At 4 weeks, push-out tests revealed that the mean shear strengths of the CL, AW, and AH implants were about 10.8, 12.7, and 15.0 MPa, respectively. At 12 weeks there was no significant difference between the bonding strengths of the three types of the porous implants (16.0-16.7 MPa). Histologically and histomorphologically, direct bone contact with the implant surface was significantly higher in the AH implants than the CL and AW implants both at 4 and 12 weeks. Thus, the higher bonding strength between bone and alkali- and heat-treated titanium implants was attributed to the direct bonding between bone and titanium surface. In conclusion, alkali and heat treatments can provide porous titanium implants with earlier stable fixation.

Alkali- and heat-treated porous titanium for orthopedic implants

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of the alkali and heat treatments on the bone-bonding behavior of porous titanium implants. Porous titanium implants had a 4.6 mm solid core and a 0.7 mm thick porous outer layer using pure titanium plasma-spray technique. Three types of porous implants were prepared from these pieces: 1.control implant (CL implant) as manufactured 2.AW-glass ceramic bottom-coated implant (AW implant) in which AW-glass ceramic was coated on only the bottom of the pore of the implant 3.alkali- and heat-treated implant (AH implant), where implants were immersed in 5 mol/L NaOH solution at 60 degrees C for 24 h and subsequently heated at 600 degrees C for 1 h. The implants were inserted into bilateral femora of six dogs hemi-transcortically in a randomized manner. At 4 weeks, push-out tests revealed that the mean shear strengths of the CL, AW, and AH implants were about 10.8, 12.7, and 15.0 MPa, respectively. At 12 weeks there was no significant difference between the bonding strengths of the three types of the porous implants (16.0-16.7 MPa). Histologically and histomorphologically, direct bone contact with the implant surface was significantly higher in the AH implants than the CL and AW implants both at 4 and 12 weeks. Thus, the higher bonding strength between bone and alkali- and heat-treated titanium implants was attributed to the direct bonding between bone and titanium surface. In conclusion, alkali and heat treatments can provide porous titanium implants with earlier stable fixation.

The effect of alkali- and heat-treated titanium and apatite-formed titanium on osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow cells

This study was based on the hypothesis that osteogenesis is enhanced by growth of osteogenic cells on an apatitic surface. To test this hypothesis, the behavior of rat bone marrow cells on these surfaces was examined: commercially pure titanium (Cp Ti), alkali- and heat-treated titanium (AH Ti), and AH Ti incubated in a simulated body fluid to deposit crystalline hydroxyapatite on the surface (Ap Ti). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells cultured on Ap Ti was significantly higher at day 7 and day 14 than the ALP activity observed for the other titanium surfaces. At day 14, the ALP activity on AH Ti was significantly increased compared with the ALP activity on Cp Ti. The amount of DNA per well increased nearly in parallel for each titanium. However, northern blot analysis at day 14 revealed that expression of osteocalcin and alpha1(I) collagen mRNA was higher in the cells cultured on Ap Ti than the cells cultured on AH Ti. The cells cultured on Cp Ti showed the lowest mRNA levels. After 7 days of cell-free culture in medium supplemented with 15% serum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thin-film X-ray diffraction (TF-XRD) analysis showed that calcium phosphate had been deposited on the AH Ti (resulting in an increase in thickness with time). No phosphate was detected on the Cp Ti, even after day 14. This study indicates that Ap Ti provides the most favorable conditions for differentiation of bone marrow cells, and, at a later stage, AH Ti also provides favorable conditions, perhaps because of the formation of a surface layer of calcium phosphate. This potential for apatite formation may play an important role in osteoblastic differentiation.

Effect of aging time of sol on structure and in vitro calcium phosphate formation of sol-gel-derived titania films

Titanium and its alloys have been used successfully in the manufacture of orthopedic and dental implants to replace damaged bone tissue. In this study, different sol-gel-derived TiO(2) coatings were produced on titanium substrates using different aging times (5, 10, 24, or 48 h) of the sol before dipping the coatings and varying numbers (one, three, or five) of coating layers. The influence of the aging time of the sol on the structure of the titania coatings with respect to in vitro bioactivity was investigated. The in vitro bioactivity tests were done in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The sol properties were monitored using a capillary viscometer and dynamic light scattering to determine the viscosity and particle size, respectively. The topography of the films was characterized using atomic force microscopy. The various sol aging times and numbers of layers produced differences in the topography of the titania films. For the coatings with one and three layers, the aging of the sols had an influence on the height of the peaks (lower with longer aging times) although the peak distance was about the same. The number of coating layers had a stronger influence. The distribution of the peak distances became narrower with an increasing number of coating layers. The coating with three layers (top coating prepared after 24 h of sol aging) and the coatings with five layers had a similar distribution of peak distances (15-50 nm), which was favorable for calcium phosphate formation. On these substrates, calcium phosphate formation started within 3-6 days of immersion in SBF. The aging time of the titania sol and the number of coating layers were found to have a strong influence on the surface topography in the nanometer scale of the titania films. The results indicate that the topography of the outermost surface is of importance for in vitro bioactivity.

Tensile tests of interface between bone and plasma-sprayed HA coating-titanium implant

Tensile strength testing of the interface between bone and a plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coating-Ti-6Al-4V (implant I) and an HA coating-Ti (implant II) was performed. The bone-implant interface and tensile failure mode were evaluated by light microscopy (LM), SEM-energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and backscattered electron imaging. The crystallinity of the HA coating of implant I and implant II was 62 and 40%, respectively. Eleven semidisk implants of each type were inserted in the left tibia of 22 rabbits in each period. After 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks, the tensile strength of the bone-implant I was 0.86, 1.32, 1.10, and 0.92 MPa, respectively; the value of the bone-implant II was 0.66, 0.92, 0.84, and 1.12 MPa, respectively. No significant difference was found in tensile strength between implant I and implant II, and between the data of different periods. LM and SEM revealed that the two types of coatings behave the same in bone. Failure after the tensile test mainly occurred at the bony tissue at 2 and 4 weeks, inside the HA coating layer at 8 weeks, and at the HA coating-metal substrate interface at 16 weeks. Degradation and delamination of the HA coating continued with time, resulting in the interfacial tensile strength not increasing with time. Thus, we concluded that differences between the two implants, mainly the difference in crystallinity of the HA coating (62 vs. 40%), have no significant influence on bone bonding ability, bone bonding strength, tensile failure mode, and degradation of the coating.

Bonding strength of bonelike apatite layer to Ti metal substrate

Our previous study showed that titanium metal forms a bonelike apatite layer on its surface in simulated body fluid when it was subjected to NaOH and heat treatments to form a sodium titanate hydrogel or amorphous sodium titanate surface layer. In the present study, bonding strength of the apatite layer formed on the titanium metals to the substrates were examined under tensile stress, in comparison with those of the apatite layers formed on Bioglass 45S5-type glass, dense sintered hydroxyapatite, and glass-ceramic A-W, which are already clinically used. The NaOH-treated titanium metals showed higher bonding strength of the apatite layer to the substrates, which was maximized by heat treatments at 500 and 600 degrees C, than all the examined bioactive ceramics. It is believed that bioactive metals thus obtained are useful as bone substitutes, even under load-bearing conditions.

Structural and morphological study of pulsed laser deposited calcium phosphate bioceramic coatings: influence of deposition conditions, laser parameters, and target properties

Calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics, especially hydroxyapatite (HA), have been used as coatings on implants owing to their biocompatible properties. The commercial practice for applying HA coating, plasma spraying, has some disadvantages which limit the long-term stability of the implants. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is being investigated as an alternative technique. The purpose of this research was to systematically study the effect of various parameters of the PLD process on the properties of CaP coatings. In this study, three types of HA targets and two laser wavelengths were used to make six categories of coatings. Predominantly crystalline HA coatings were produced under all six categories at optimum conditions, although small amounts of minor phases sometimes were found. Sufficient coating/substrate bond strength was also obtained. A wide variety of coating morphologies was obtained, from rather dense and uniform to rough and porous. The important factors that affected the morphology included target properties, vacuum level, deposition temperature, and laser wavelength and energy density. PLD's ability to produce both amorphous and crystalline, and both smooth/dense and rough/porous coatings may be a unique advantage.

Immersion behavior of RF magnetron-assisted sputtered hydroxyapatite/titanium coatings in simulated body fluid

The focus of the present study was on the dissolution/degradation behavior of a series of magnetron-sputtered, single-layered HA/Ti coatings on Ti-6Al-4V substrate immersed in SBF. Changes in coating morphology, crystal structure, and adhesion strength with immersion time are characterized. XRD, FTIR, and LVSEM results consistently indicate that highly crystalline monolithic HA coating is very dissolvable in SBF. The monolithic HA coating is largely delaminated in 3 weeks and entirely peeled off the substrate in 7 weeks. The dissolution is even greater for 95HA/5Ti coating, which severely disintegrated in only 1 week. The amorphous-like coatings sputtered from targets comprising 10 vol % or more Ti, however, appeared almost intact, and their adhesion strengths, which were all higher than 60 MPa, did not change much (within 10%) even after 14 weeks of immersion. The coatings from targets comprising roughly 10-50 vol % Ti combine advantages of high and nondeclining adhesion strength, high resistance to SBF attack, and possibly much higher bioactivity (with large amounts of Ca, P, etc., dissolved in the coatings) than that of Ti.

The effect of surface material and roughness on bone screw stability

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of osteointegration ability and surface texture on bone screw interface stability in three different groups of titanium screws.

DESIGN

Sixty titanium tapered screws were used: twenty screws were polished, uncoated (Group A); twenty screws were rough, coated with titanium (Group B); and twenty screws were rough, coated with fluor-hydroxyapatite (Group C). Thirty screws, ten per group, were implanted in the femurs and tibiae of two sheep, which were euthanized one month after surgery. The remaining thirty screws, ten per group, were implanted in the femurs and tibiae of another two sheep, which were euthanized three months after surgery.

RESULTS

At one month, extraction torque of Group C was higher than that of Group A (p = 0.042). At three months, extraction torque of Group C was higher than that of Group A (p < 0.0001) and Group B (p < 0.0001). At three months, extraction torque of Group C was higher compared with the corresponding insertion torque (p < 0.0001) and compared with the corresponding extraction torque at one month (p < 0.0001). At one and three months, a high percentage of bone-screw contact was observed histologically in Groups B and C. A continuous gap with fibrous tissue encapsulation was observed in Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the osteointegration ability provided by the type of coating is a very important parameter for optimizing the bone-screw stability. Surface texture is also important. By using screws with optimal osteointegration ability, very positive clinical consequences can be expected.

Histomorphological and biomechanical characterization of calcium phosphates in the osseous environment

The standardization of characterization techniques is becoming increasingly important for bone replacement materials as it becomes apparent that, for the field to advance, testing must be developed to allow the biocompatibility or bioactivity of a new material to be assessed and directly compared with existing materials. Currently there are many forms of biocompatibility test for materials destined for the osseous environment, ranging from immersion in simulated body fluid to implantation into living bone. However, the variety of ways in which the data from these tests may be acquired and interpreted, as a result of changes in parameters such as surgical technique and mechanical test conditions, means that much of the published data within the field is not comparable. This paper will introduce the concept of biocompatibility by considering calcium phosphate bioceramics, and discusses some aspects of in vivo experimental design, including simple histomorphometry techniques, in addition to considering practical methods for the assessment of the biomechanical characteristics of an osseointegrated implant.

Measurement and control of interface strength of RF magnetron-sputtered Ca-PO coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrates using a laser spallation technique

In previous studies, an RF magnetron sputter technique was developed for the production of thin calcium phosphate coating. Several deposition parameters were found to influence the growth rate and the stoichiometry of the coatings. For instance, deposition with additional oxygen pressure decreased the Ca to P ratio of the coatings to 1.67. For application of these coatings on actual Ti implants, it is important to know their adhesive tensile strength with the implant surface and how it varies with the deposition parameters. Motivated by these goals, the aim of this study was to measure the adhesive tensile strength of these coatings with Ti substrates and to study its variation with the deposition parameters. Since most mechanical characterization methods are incapable of providing a direct measure of the interface's fundamental strength, a novel laser spallation experiment was used to accomplish this task. In this experiment, a compressive stress pulse is generated on the back side of a substrate by impinging a 3-ns long Nd:YAG laser pulse. The stress pulse propagates through the substrate and is reflected into a tensile stress wave from the free surface of the coating deposited on its front surface. The returning tensile pulse pries off the coating if its amplitude is high enough. The peak interface tensile stress is computed by using the optically recorded free surface displacement of the coating. Because interface decohesion is accomplished at a strain rate of almost 10(7) s-1, all inelastic processes essentially are suppressed and the measured value essentially is the intrinsic tensile strength of the interface. Tensile strength values in the range of 500-900 MPa were recorded for the interfaces between sputter-deposited calcium-phosphate coatings and Ti substrates. To confirm the locus of failure, the spalled spots were examined using SEM and EDS. The variation in the measured values was related to the changes in the deposition conditions.

Comparative push-out test of dense HA implants and HA-coated implants: findings in a canine study

Two types of hydroxyapatite (HA) implants have been developed: an HA-coated implant and a dense HA implant. For a longer in situ life span, the HA implant must remain chemically stable and possess high resistance to occlusal force. To determine which type of HA implant shows better durability, this comparative dog study was done to evaluate push-out test results of HA-coated implants and dense HA implants of approximately the same size after implantation in the mandibular and coxal bones for periods ranging from 3 weeks to 10 months. The findings revealed that for the mandibular implants, the push-out values of HA-coated implants were significantly higher than those of dense HA implants at 2 and 4 months after implantation, with significance levels of p < .001 and p < 0.05, respectively. However, there was no significant difference between the two implant types at 10 months. As for the coxal implants, no significant differences were noted for any period. Furthermore, the ratio of push-out values of the dense HA implants to those of the HA-coated implants situated in the same position bilaterally in each bone of the body for each implantation period rose with the passage of time, especially in the mandible. In the mandibular implants, the correlation coefficient of the relationship between the ratio and duration of implantation was highly significant (p < 0.001). Push-out testing caused detachment of the surface portion of the HA coating that was bound to the dense bone from the HA-coated implant at 2, 4, and 10 months after implantation. Furthermore, at 10 months the HA-coated layer in the wide areas of the implants had completely detached from the metal substrate, in contrast to the dense HA implants, which remained durable throughout the test period.