Abstract
Stainless steel is renowned for its wide use as a biomaterial, but its relatively high corrosion rate in physiological environments restricts many of its clinical applications. To overcome the corrosion resistance of stainless steel bio-implants in physiological environments and to improve its osseointegration behavior, we have developed a unique zein/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite coating on a stainless steel substrate by Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD). The EPD parameters were optimized using the Taguchi Design of experiments (DoE) approach. The EPD parameters, such as the concentration of bio-ceramic particles in the polymer solution, applied voltage and deposition time were optimized on stainless steel substrates by applying a mixed design orthogonal Taguchi array. The coatings were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and wettability studies. SEM images and EDX results indicated that the zein/HA coating was successfully deposited onto the stainless steel substrates. The wettability and roughness studies elucidated the mildly hydrophilic nature of the zein/HA coatings, which confirmed the suitability of the developed coatings for biomedical applications. Zein/HA coatings improved the corrosion resistance of bare 316L stainless steel. Moreover, zein/HA coatings showed strong adhesion with the 316L SS substrate for biomedical applications. Zein/HA developed dense HA crystals upon immersion in simulated body fluid, which confirmed the bone binding ability of the coatings. Thus the zein/HA coatings presented in this study have a strong potential to be considered for orthopedic applications.
Highlights
According to the report published by the Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2017–2023), the global bio implant market value is anticipated to reach $124,000 million by the year2023
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results indicated that the zein/HA coating was successfully deposited onto the stainless steel substrates
During the application of an electric field (EPD process), positively charged zein molecules move towards the cathode, lose their charge and form an insoluble deposit at the cathode
Summary
According to the report published by the Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2017–2023), the global bio implant market value is anticipated to reach $124,000 million by the year. This is primarily the result of the increase in chronic diseases and aging factors [1]. This increase in the market has resultantly boosted research in the area. Metallic bio-implants have been widely used in this market, as they offer various properties like strength, stability and biocompatibility. Their corrosive nature in the physiological environment cannot be denied [2]. The resultant metallic ions from degradation in the body can prove to be fatal for body organs adjacent to implants [3]
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