Abstract
Synthesis of biomimetic materials for implants and prostheses is a hot topic in nanobiotechnology strategies. Today the major approach of orthopaedic implants in hard tissue engineering is represented by titanium implants. A comparative study of hybrid thin coatings deposition was performed by spin coating and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) onto titanium substrates. The Collagen-calcium phosphate (Coll-CaPs) combination was selected as the best option to mimic natural bone tissue. To accelerate the mineralization process, Zn2+ ions were inserted by substitution in CaPs. A superior thin film homogeneity was assessed by MAPLE, as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. A decrease of P-O and amide absorbance bands was observed as a consequence of different Zn2+ amounts. A variety of structural modifications of the apatite layer are then generated, which influenced the confinement process towards the collagen template. The in-vitro Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) assay demonstrated the ability of Coll/Zn2+-CaPs coatings to stimulate the mineralization process as a result of synergic effects in the collagen-Zn2+ substituted apatite. For both deposition methods, the formation of droplets associated to the growth of CaPs particulates inside the collagen matrix was visualized. This supports the prospective behavior of MAPLE biomimetic coatings to induce mineralization, as an essential step of fast implant integration with vivid tissues.
Highlights
The prevention of post-surgical inflammation or rejection after the implantation of metallic devices is of growing interest in tissue engineering
Today the major approach of orthopaedic implants in hard tissue engineering is represented by titanium implants
A comparative study of hybrid thin coatings deposition was performed by spin coating and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) onto titanium substrates
Summary
The prevention of post-surgical inflammation or rejection after the implantation of metallic devices is of growing interest in tissue engineering. The corrosion leads to undesirable consequences, such as inflammation and infections that inhibit the artificial bone reconstruction. Another inconvenience in using common Ti orthopaedic implants resides in the low capacity to promote the interaction between the natural tissue and device [3]. An intelligent solution to address these limitations resorts to the deposition of thin coatings on Ti substrates. The aim of our work reflects a comparative study of two deposition methods—spin coating and matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE)—involved in the production of biocompatible collagen-Zn2+ substituted calcium phosphate thin coatings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
