Calcium Phosphate Ceramic Coatings Research Articles

In vitro degradation and corrosion evaluations of plasma electrolytic oxidized Mg–Zn–Ca–Si alloys for biomedical applications

Biodegradable calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings were prepared on self-designed Mg-2.0Zn-0.6Ca-xSi alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The effect of calcium (Ca) and silicon (Si) on alloy microstructure and coating formation and biomineralization mechanisms were discussed. The in vitro bioactivity and degradability of CaP coatings were evaluated by immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions and trishydroxymethyl-aminomethane hydrochloric acid (Tris-HCl) buffer, respectively. The microstructure and chemical composition of the coatings, depositions and corrosion products were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The electrochemical corrosion behavior of alloys and coatings was investigated using the electrochemical workstation. Results showed that the shape, quantity, size and distribution of second phases can be changed by the simultaneously addition of Ca and Si in Mg–Zn–Ca–Si alloys. The Si content in Mg-2.0Zn-0.6Ca-xSi alloy should not be higher than 0.8 wt%. The microstructure of Mg-2.0Zn-0.6Ca-xSi alloys can influence the formation and growth of PEO coating by altering the spark discharge characteristics. The plasma electrolytic oxidized Mg-2.0Zn-0.6Ca-0.8Si has potential to be served as biodegradable bone implant and cardiovascular stent.

Formation and characterization of calcium phosphate ceramic coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

This present work studies the electrochemical deposition of calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC) coatings on Ti-6Al-4 V alloy substrates. The deposition process was carried out in a phosphate electrolyte containing ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, and hydrogen peroxide, which produces plenty of hydroxyl anions in the electrolyte without the hydrogen bubble liberation. In this experiment, the range of applied deposition voltages was determined based on the result of a cyclic voltammetry measurement. Under different applied voltages, the CPC coatings consisted of a mixed phase of hydroxyapatite, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, portlandite, and titanium dioxide, which were verified from the results of XRD, XPS and FTIR analysis. Besides, there are two types of surface morphology of the CPC coatings: one is a needle-like structure, and the second is a network-like structure. In addition, the continuous current density (chronoamperometric) and surface morphology at different deposition times were also recorded to predict the growth mechanism of the CPC coatings. The result indicated that the film thickness of the CPC coating was proportional to the total charge and the deposition time. Moreover, the experimental tests were performed through the potentiodynamic polarization and EIS techniques to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the CPC coatings in the simulated body fluid.

Study on microstructure, microhardness, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of La2 O3 -containing bioceramic coating doping SiO2 fabricated by laser cladding.

To solve the lack of strength of calcium phosphate ceramic coatings in load-bearing applications, gradient Ca-P bioceramic coatings doped with La2 O3 and SiO2 are fabricated by laser cladding on Ti-6Al-4 V. The effect of SiO2 on microstructure, microhardness, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of coatings was investigated. The experimental results illustrate that the coating doped with La2 O3 and SiO2 has excellent metallurgical bonding. The XRD analysis confirms that the amount of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate in the coating reached maximum when doping amount of SiO2 is 10 wt %. SiO2 -doped coatings show a significantly higher bone-like apatite precipitation after immersion in SBF than that of other coatings. in vitro experiment also shows that coating with 10 wt % SiO2 is more suitable for the attachment and proliferation of MG63 cells, indicating that coating with 10 wt % SiO2 exhibits best bioactivity and biocompatibility. These results suggest that the addition of SiO2 improves the bonding strength, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of coatings.

Thin Degradable Coatings for Optimization of Osteointegration Associated with Simultaneous Infection Prophylaxis.

One of the most common causes of implant failure is aseptic prosthesis loosening. Another frequent complication after prosthesis implant is the microbial colonization of the prosthesis surface, which often leads to a replacement of the prosthesis. One approach to reduce these complications is the application of bioactive substances to implant surfaces. Both an antibiotic prophylaxis and a faster osteointegration can be obtained by incorporation of bactericidal active metals in degradable calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings. In this study, thin degradable calcium phosphate ceramic coatings doped with silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and bismuth (Bi) on a titanium substrate were prepared with the aid of the high-velocity suspension flame spraying (HVSFS) coating process. To characterize the samples surface roughness, brightfield microscopy of the coatings, X-ray diffraction (XRD)-analysis for definition of the phase composition of the layers, Raman spectroscopy for determination of the phase composition of the contained metals, element-mapping for Cu-content verification, release kinetics for detection of metal ions and ceramic components of the coatings were carried out. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of the coatings. For biocompatibility testing, growth experiments were performed using the cell culture line MG-63. Cell viability was investigated by Giemsa staining and live/dead assay. The WST-1 kit was used to quantify cell proliferation and vitality in vitro and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit to quantify cytotoxicity. The formation of hydroxyapatite crystals in simulated body fluid was investigated to predict bioactivity in vivo. The Safe Airborne Antibacterial Assay with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was used for antimicrobial testing. The results showed good biocompatibility of all the metal doped CaP coatings, furthermore Cu and Ag doped layers showed significant antibacterial effects against S. aureus.

Formation of Solution-derived Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Titanium Alloy in the Presence of Magnetron-sputtered Alumina Bond Coats.

Hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp) and calcium phosphate ceramic materials and coatings are widely used in medicine and dentistry because of their ability to enhance the tissue response to implant surfaces and promote bone ingrowth and osseoconduction processes. The deposition conditions have a great influence on the structure and biofunctionality of calcium phosphate coatings. Corrosion processes and poor adhesion to substrate material reduce the lifetime of implants with calcium phosphate coatings. The research has focused on the development of advanced methods to deposit double-layered ceramic oxide/calcium phosphate coatings by a hybrid technique of magnetron sputtering and thermal methods. The thermal method can promote the crystallization and the formation of HAp coatings on titanium alloy Ti6Al4V substrates at low temperature, based on the principle that the solubility of HAp in aqueous solutions decreases with increasing substrate temperature. By this method, hydroxyapatite directly coated the substrate without precipitation in the initial solution. Using a thermal substrate method, calcium phosphate coatings were prepared at substrate temperatures of 100-105 oC. The coated metallic implant surfaces with ceramic bond coats and calcium phosphate layers combine the excellent mechanical properties of metals with the chemical stability of ceramic materials. The corrosion test results show that the ceramic oxide (alumina) coatings and the double-layered alumina-calcium phosphate coatings improve the corrosion resistance compared with uncoated Ti6Al4V and single-layered Ti6Al4V/calcium phosphate substrates. In addition, the double-layered alumina/hydroxyapatite coatings demonstrate the best biocompatibility during in vitro tests.

In vitro degradation and electrochemical corrosion evaluations of microarc oxidized pure Mg, Mg-Ca and Mg-Ca-Zn alloys for biomedical applications.

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings were fabricated on pure magnesium (Mg) and self-designed Mg-0.6Ca, Mg-0.55Ca-1.74Zn alloys by microarc oxidation (MAO). The coating formation, growth and biomineralization mechanisms were discussed. The coating degradability and bioactivity were evaluated by immersion tests in trishydroxymethyl-aminomethane hydrochloric acid (Tris-HCl) buffer and simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions, respectively. The coatings and corrosion products were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). The electrochemical workstation was used to investigate the electrochemical corrosion behaviors of substrates and coatings. Results showed that Mg-0.55Ca-1.74Zn alloy exhibits the highest mechanical strength and electrochemical corrosion resistance among the three alloys. The MAO-coated Mg-0.55Ca-1.74Zn alloy has the potential to be served as a biodegradable implant.

Effects of calcium phosphate composition in sputter coatings onin vitroandin vivoperformance

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings have been used to enhance the biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties of metallic implants. The chemical composition of these ceramic coatings is an important parameter, which can influence the final bone performance of the implant. In this study, the effect of phase composition of CaP-sputtered coatings was investigated on in vitro dissolution behavior and in vivo bone response. Coatings were prepared by a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique; three types of CaP target materials were used to obtain coatings with different stoichiometry and calcium to phosphate ratios (hydroxyapatite (HA), α-tricalciumphosphate (α-TCP), and tetracalciumphosphate (TTCP)) were compared with non-coated titanium controls. The applied ceramic coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The in vitro dissolution/precipitation of the CaP coatings was evaluated using immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). To mimic the in vivo situation, identical CaP coatings were also evaluated in a femoral condyle rabbit model. TCPH and TTCPH showed morphological changes during 4-week immersion in SBF. The results of bone implant contact (BIC) and peri-implant bone volume (BV) showed a similar response for all experimental coatings. An apparent increase in tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive staining was observed in the peri-implant region with decreasing coating stability. In conclusion, the experimental groups showed different coating properties when tested in vitro and an apparent increase in bone remodeling with increasing coating dissolution in vivo.

Long‐term survival of calcium phosphate‐coated dental implants: a meta‐analytical approach to the clinical literature

Calcium phosphate ceramic coatings have the potential to compensate for challenging bone conditions such as delayed or impaired bone healing and low bone quantity or density. Thus, the increasing universal prevalence of subjects with such challenging bone conditions might be paralleled by an enhanced global use of calcium phosphate ceramic-coated dental implants. However, it is speculated that the long-term clinical survival of calcium phosphate-coated dental implants might be adversely affected by coating delamination. The aims of the current review were (1) to systematically appraise and (2) to meta-analyse long-term survival data of calcium phosphate-coated dental implants in clinical trials. An extensive search in the electronic databases of the National Library of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the ISI Web of Knowledge, was carried out for articles published between January 2000 and November 2011 to identify randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective clinical trials as well as retrospective analysis of cases (RA) presenting survival data on the topic of calcium phosphate-coated dental implants. Only publications in English were considered, and the search was narrowed to studies in humans with a follow-up of at least 5years only. Furthermore, the reference lists of related review articles and publications selected for inclusion in this review were systematically screened. The primary outcome variable was percentage annual failure rate (AFR), and the secondary outcome variable was percentage cumulative survival rate (CSR). The electronic search in the database of the National Library of Medicine, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the ISI Web of Knowledge, resulted in the identification of 385 titles. These titles were initially screened by the two independent reviewers for possible inclusion, resulting in 29 publications suitable for further consideration. Screening the abstracts led to 20 full-text articles. From these articles, 15 reports were excluded. Finally, five of these original research reports could be selected for evaluation. No additional publications were identified by manual search. Thus, a total of five articles were included for analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that neither AFRs of calcium phosphate-coated dental implants increased progressively nor that long-term CSRs for calcium phosphate-coated dental implants were inferior to survival rates of noncoated implants. We conclude that (1) published long-term survival data for calcium phosphate-coated dental implants are very limited, (2) AFRs of calcium phosphate-coated dental implants do not increase progressively, and (3) long-term CSRs for calcium phosphate-coated dental implants are comparable to survival rates of noncoated implants.

Bone Regeneration Related to Calcium Phosphate-Coated Implants in Osteoporotic Animal Models: A Meta-Analysis

Osteoporosis is a frequent human metabolic bone disorder. Prospectively, global ageing of populations will lead to a major increase of subjects being diagnosed with osteoporosis and in need for dental rehabilitation. However, as local osteoporosis of the jaws affects bone quantity and quality of edentulous regions, osseointegration of dental implants might be hampered. Consequently, calcium phosphate ceramic-coated implants have been suggested to compensate for low bone quantity/density and for impaired bone healing in osteoporosis. Nonetheless, up to now no meta-analytical assessment of the relevant preclinical literature to quantify such a possible positive effect has been undertaken. PubMed search, limited to animal models, to identify a possible positive effect of calcium phosphate-coated implants on bone regeneration, was carried out. Further, the reference lists of related review articles and publications selected for inclusion in this review were systematically screened. The primary outcome variables were bone-to-implant contact percentage as assessed histomorphometrically and mechanical stability testing. The electronic search in the database of the National Library of Medicine resulted in the identification of 2704 titles. These titles were initially screened by the two independent reviewers for possible inclusion, resulting in further consideration of 51 publications. Screening the abstracts led to 22 full-text articles. From these articles, 16 reports were excluded. Finally, six of these original research reports could be selected for evaluation. Additionally, eight publications were identified by manual search. Thus, a total of 14 articles were included for analysis. It was concluded that (1) in osteoporotic animal models calcium phosphate ceramic-coated implants are associated with improved bone-to-implant healing as compared to noncoated implants. Moreover, (2) essentially due to quality characteristics of the analyzed original research articles a negative impact of osteoporosis on bone-to-implant healing could not be confirmed. Besides, (3) the established positive bone-to-implant healing effect of calcium phosphate ceramic coatings does not differ between osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic, healthy animal models.

Bone reaction adjacent to microplasma-sprayed calcium phosphate-coated oral implants subjected to an occlusal load, an experimental study in the dog

A new microplasma spraying equipment (MSE) to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed. With this system, it is possible to spray fine particles and to apply textured hydroxylapatite coatings onto titanium surfaces. Moreover, due to the low heat power of the microplasma jet, overheating of the powder particles as well as excessive local overheating of the substrate are diminished. Furthermore, because of the small laminar plasma jet, it is possible to achieve high spray efficiency in the case of spraying for dental implants. Also, the low level of noise (25-50 dB) and hardly any dust makes it possible to operate MSE under conditions of normal workrooms. The aim was to investigate, in a mandibular dog model, the effect of functional load on soft-tissue adaptation as well as crestal bone-level changes around titanium implants provided with newly developed microplasma-sprayed CaP coatings. For histomorphometrical evaluation, 56 screw-type titanium implants were inserted into the mandibles of seven adult Beagle dogs. The implants were either acid etched without an additional coating, coated with a conventionally plasma-sprayed CaP ceramic (PS), coated with a microplasma-sprayed CaP ceramic (MPS) or with a microplasma-sprayed coating at only the apical part (aMPS). To assess the effect of occlusal loading, a split-mouth design was used. Six weeks after implantation, the implants in one half of the mandible of each dog were functionally loaded whereas the contra lateral implants served as control. One year after loading, the animals were sacrificed. Soft-tissue dimension as well as marginal bone level were histologically assessed. Histometric analysis of undecalcified histologic sections included the evaluation of the sulcus depth, the dimension of the junctional epithelium and the connective tissue as well as the first bone-to-implant contact. For MPS-surfaced implants, functional loading was associated with--compared with the non-loaded state--unchanged soft-tissue dimension. Furthermore, the soft-tissue dimension did not differ from the dimensions around non-coated, PS and aMPS implants. Moreover, the first bone-to-implant contact was not significantly altered by functional loading and comparable non-coated, PS and aMPS implants. Within the limits of the experiment, we conclude that, in comparison, functional loading does not affect the marginal soft-tissue response to MPS CaP-coated implants. However, in comparison, functional loading might affect marginal bone response to MPS CaP-coated implants.

Loaded Microplasma-sprayed CaP-coated Implants in vivo

Microplasma spray equipment to deposit calcium phosphate ceramic (CaP) coatings has been developed. Fifty-six titanium implants were inserted into the mandibles of 7 adult beagle dogs. The implants were either acid-etched (NC), conventionally plasma-sprayed (PS), micro-plasma-sprayed (MPS), or micro-plasma-sprayed (aMPS) only at the apical part. After 6 weeks, implants in one half of the mandible were subjected to load. Fifty-two weeks thereafter, the animals were killed. Regardless of load, bone healing was comparable for all surfaces tested. It was concluded that loading of MPS CaP-coated implants evokes a favorable bone response, and that the bone response does not differ from that of PS CaP-coated implants. However, functional loading of PS as well as MPS CaP-coated implants might be associated with increased crestal bone maintenance as compared with non-coated implants.

Bone reaction adjacent to microplasma‐sprayed CaP‐coated oral implants subjected to occlusal load, an experimental study in the dog. Part I: short‐term results

A new microplasma spraying equipment (MSE) to deposit calcium phosphate ceramic (CaP) coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed. With this system, it is possible to spray fine particles and to apply textured hydroxylapatite coatings onto titanium surfaces. Moreover, due to the low heat power of the microplasma jet, overheating of the powder particles as well as excessive local overheating of the substrate is diminished. Furthermore, because of the small laminar plasma jet, it is possible to achieve high spray efficiency in the case of spraying for dental implants. Also, the low level of noise (25-50 dB) and hardly any dust makes it possible to operate MSE under conditions of normal workrooms. The aim was to investigate, in a mandibular dog model, bone biological properties and the occlusal loading effects of titanium implants provided with newly developed microplasma-sprayed CaP coatings. For histomorphometrical evaluation, 48 screw-type titanium implants were inserted into the mandibles of six adult beagle dogs. The implants were either acid etched without additional coating, coated with a conventionally plasma-sprayed CaP ceramic, coated with a microplasma-sprayed CaP ceramic or with a microplasma-sprayed coating at the apical part only. To assess the effect of occlusal loading, a split-mouth design was used. Six weeks after implantation, the implants in one half of the mandible of each dog were functionally loaded, while the contra lateral implants served as control. Six weeks after loading, the animals were sacrificed and bone-to-implant contact as well as the amount of bone around the implants were assessed. Irrespective of surface and functional load, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were found either for bone-to-implant contact or for the amount of bone between the various implant surfaces. On the other hand, functional loading of the non-coated implants was associated with a tendency towards crestal bone loss. Within the limits of the experiment, we conclude that functional loading of MPS CaP coatings induces a favorable bone response, and furthermore, that the bone response, irrespective of the loading condition, does not differ from conventional plasma-sprayed CaP coatings.

Biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings on recombinant spider silk fibres

Calcium phosphate ceramic coatings, applied on surfaces of metallic and polymeric biomaterials, can improve their performance in bone repair and regeneration. Spider silk is biocompatible, strong and elastic, and hence an attractive biomaterial for applications in connective tissue repair. Recently, artificial spider silk, with mechanical and structural characteristics similar to those of native spider silk, has been produced from recombinant minispidroins. In the present study, supersaturated simulated body fluid was used to deposit calcium phosphate coatings on recombinant spider silk fibres. The mineralization process was followed in time using scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) detector and Raman spectroscope. Focused ion beam technology was used to produce a cross section of a coated fibre, which was further analysed by EDX. Preliminary in vitro experiments using a culture of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on coated fibres were also performed. This study showed that recombinant spider silk fibres were successfully coated with a homogeneous and thick crystalline calcium phosphate layer. In the course of the mineralization process from modified simulated body fluid, sodium chloride crystals were first deposited on the silk surface, followed by the deposition of a calcium phosphate layer. The coated silk fibres supported the attachment and growth of hMSCs.

Bone‐supportive behavior of microplasma‐sprayed CaP‐coated implants: mechanical and histological outcome in the goat

New microplasma spray (MPS) equipment to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed. With this apparatus, it is possible to spray fine particles, as well as to apply textured hydroxylapatite coatings onto titanium surfaces. Moreover, due to the low heat power of the microplasma jet, overheating of the powder particles as well as excessive local overheating of the substrate is reduced. Furthermore, because of the small laminar plasma jet, it is possible to achieve high spray efficiency in the case of spraying of dental implants. Additionally, the low level of noise (25-50 dB) and hardly any dust makes it possible to operate the MSE under normal workroom conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the biological properties of different MPS - CaP coatings on titanium implants when inserted into the femoral condyle of goats. For histomorphometrical evaluation as well as mechanical testing, 48 screw-type titanium implants were inserted into the femoral condyles of 12 goats each. The implants were either coated with a conventionally plasma-sprayed CaP ceramic, MPS CaP ceramic, or acid-etched without an additional CaP coating. Six and 12 weeks after implantation, the animals were sacrificed and bone-to-implant contact, amount of bone, as well as mechanical bone fixation were evaluated. For bone-to-implant contact no statistically significant difference was found between the different CaP coatings. However, statistically significant differences were found between non-coated, acid-etched titanium implants and CaP-coated implants after 6 and 12 weeks of healing. The bone values were not statistically significantly different between the different CaP coatings at 6 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, CaP ceramic-coated implants showed statistically significantly higher torque values compared with the non-coated implants after 6 and at 12 weeks of healing. No significant differences existed between the various types of CaP coatings. On the basis of our observations, we conclude that conventionally plasma-sprayed CaP ceramic-coated implants, as well as MPS-coated implants have a comparable effect on adjacent bone response.

Effect of the HA/β‐TCP Ratio on the Biological Performance of Calcium Phosphate Ceramic Coatings Fabricated by a Room‐Temperature Powder Spray in Vacuum

Four calcium phosphate ceramic coatings, the less soluble hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, the more soluble β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) coating, and two biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) coatings with HA/β‐TCP ratios of 70/30 and 30/70 were fabricated by spraying each corresponding powder onto a titanium substrate at room temperature (RT) in a vacuum, in order to investigate the effect of the HA/β‐TCP ratio on the dissolution behavior and the cellular responses of the coating. No secondary phases, except for HA and β‐TCP, were observed for the coatings in the X‐ray diffraction results. The coating compositions were almost the same as those of the starting powders because the coating was conducted at RT. Microscopic examination of the coatings revealed crack‐free and dense microstructures. The BCP coatings exhibited dissolution rates intermediate between those of the pure HA and β‐TCP coatings. The dissolution rate of the coatings was largely dependent on their HA/β‐TCP ratio. The cell proliferation and differentiation results indicated that the cellular responses of the coatings were not proportional to their dissolution rates. The 3HA–7TCP (HA/β‐TCP ratio of 30/70) coating exhibited an optimal dissolution rate for excellent biological performance.

Microstructure and Bonding Feature of the Bioceramic Composite Coating Obtained by Nd: YAG Laser Cladding

Undesirable phase and microstructure formation, and poor HAP/metal bonding strength restrict the fabrication technique to obtain HAP and other calcium phosphate ceramic coatings. In this paper a bioceramic composite coating, which includes HAP andβ-Ca2P2O7, was obtained by laser cladding with pre-depositing mixed powders of CaHPO4·2H2O and CaCO3 directly on the 316L stainless steel metal substrate. The phases, microstructure and bonding feature of the bioceramic composite coating are characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS). The microstructure of the coating consists of minute granular HAP that is distributed among the overlapped club-shapedβ-Ca2P2O7. Uniform presences of Ca, P and O in bioceramic composite coating supplie necessary elements for the synthesis of HAP andβ-Ca2P2O7. Diffusions inwards of P and O into alloying layer help form the chemical metallurgical bonding and composition gradient distributions are present. a chemical metallurgical bonding was formed between the bioceramic composite coating and metal substrate.

Histological and histomorphometric investigations on bone integration of rapidly resorbable calcium phosphate ceramics

Resorbable ceramics can promote the bony integration of implants. Their rate of degradation should ideally be synchronized with bone regeneration. We report here the results of a histological study of implants with two resorbable calcium phosphate ceramic coatings: Ca(2)KNa(PO(4))(2)-(GB14) and Ca(10)[K/Na](PO(4))(7)-(602020). The results attained with these ceramic-coated implants show the benefits of these materials with regard to bioactive bone-healing stimulation, compared with uncoated implants. The GB14 ceramic coating exhibited greater bone regeneration and differentiation on its surface than the conventional hydroxyapatite coating and helped bone tissue achieve more extensive contact free of connective tissue. Not until the coating disintegrated did the histological features of GB14- and 602020-coated implants converge-both implant types were integrated into bone. Rapid disintegration of the coating material, as with 602020, supports osteoblast proliferation but has negative effects on bone mineralization. Both resorbable ceramics tested, GB14 and 602020, demonstrated bioactivity; even metal surfaces coated with these materials were populated by mature bone tissue without connective tissue after disintegration of their ceramic coating. The less rapidly degrading material, GB14, achieved better results. Degradable calcium phosphate coatings have the potential to stimulate bone regeneration. From the histological viewpoint, the resorbable ceramics examined here can be recommended as coating materials for clinical use.

Research on the In Situ Fabrication of Bioceramic Composite Coatings by Laser Cladding

Hydroxyapatite(HAP) has excellent osteoconductive properties. By controlling the Ca/P ratio better biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics can be produced than pure HAP ceramics. β- calcium pyrophosphate(β-Ca2P2O7) is a new biodegradable ceramic material and its biological response is quite similar to HAP. Obtaining HAP and other bioactive calcium phosphate ceramic coatings has been a popular research field in the past. In our research a new bioceramic composite coating was obtained by laser cladding with pre-depositing mixed powders of CaHPO4·2H2O and CaCO3 directly on the metal substrate. Its main constituents are HAP and β-Ca2P2O7. The microstructure of the coating consists of minute granular HAP that is distributed among the overlapped club-shaped or needle-like β-Ca2P2O7. The hardness distribution in the cladding layer is even and its value is much higher than that in the substrate. There is a bonded structure of the epitaxial planar growth between the substrate and cladding layer, and both a typical cellular microstructure in the middle and an equiaxed microstructure at the top of the cladding layer.

Bulk composition of r.f. magnetron sputter deposited calcium phosphate coatings on different substrates (polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicon)

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings are often applied to improve the biological response of an implant. CaP ceramic was deposited using r.f. magnetron sputter deposition on different substrates (polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Si), with varying Ar gas pressures, and on different positions in the deposition chamber. With increasing Ar gas pressure, the coating thickness decreases. Surprisingly, the coating composition varied among the different substrates. This was found to be the result of two phenomena. Firstly, negative charging of the insulating substrates during the deposition of the coating influences the severity of a bombardment by negative oxygen ions, which escape from the sputtering target. The varying degree of (preferential) resputtering of P from the coatings gives rise to different coating compositions. Secondly, in the case of PTFE, the escape of fluorine from the PTFE (which we found to be induced by UV light from the plasma) influences the coating composition, probably because the F reacts with P in the coating, to form a gas molecule. Finally, we found that the coating composition can be influenced, during coating deposition, by a 500 eV ion bombardment.

Bulk composition of r.f. magnetron sputter deposited calcium phosphate coatings on different substrates (polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicon)

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramic coatings are often applied to improve the biological response of an implant. CaP ceramic was deposited using r.f. magnetron sputter deposition on different substrates (polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Si), with varying Ar gas pressures, and on different positions in the deposition chamber. With increasing Ar gas pressure, the coating thickness decreases. Surprisingly, the coating composition varied among the different substrates. This was found to be the result of two phenomena. Firstly, negative charging of the insulating substrates during the deposition of the coating influences the severity of a bombardment by negative oxygen ions, which escape from the sputtering target. The varying degree of (preferential) resputtering of P from the coatings gives rise to different coating compositions. Secondly, in the case of PTFE, the escape of fluorine from the PTFE (which we found to be induced by UV light from the plasma) influences the coating composition, probably because the F reacts with P in the coating, to form a gas molecule. Finally, we found that the coating composition can be influenced, during coating deposition, by a 500 eV ion bombardment.