Biocomposite coating of Wrightia tinctoria root bark fiber reinforced samarium substituted hydroxyapatite/ polypyrrole on titanium for potential orthopedic applications

Abstract

The present work is focused on the fabrication of Bellamya javanica rice fields snail shells derived samarium (Sm) substituted hydroxyapatite (Sm-HAP)/polypyrrole (PPy)/Wrightia tinctoria fiber (WTF) biocomposite on titanium (Ti) by electrophoretic deposition for orthopedic applications. The functional groups, phase composition, morphology, elemental composition was examined by various characterization techniques. In addition, the adhesion strength and hardness of the biocomposite coatings was evaluated by mechanical characterization. The corrosion behavior of the as developed biocomposite coating on Ti was determined by potentiodynamic polarization study. Similarly, the antimicrobial activity of the biocomposite was evaluated against two bacterial strains and one fungal strain by well diffusion test. The in vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility of the composite was evaluated for the biocomposite coated Ti. Also, the swelling and degradation behavior of the as fabricated coating were examined in simulated body fluid medium. Hence, from the obtained results it can be concluded that the Sm-HAP/PPy/WTF biocomposite coated Ti exhibited excellent anticorrosion, anti-microbial and biocompatible properties which make them a potential material for high-performance bone implants in the field of orthopedic applications.