Structural, morphological and biological evaluations of cerium incorporated hydroxyapatite sol–gel coatings on Ti–6Al–4V for orthopaedic applications

Abstract

Titanium alloys, especially Ti–6Al–4V, were reported as a promising biomaterial featuring excellent corrosion resistance and good biocompatibility, but it lacks anti-infection capacity and osseointegration. In this work, we aimed to improve the bio-functions and corrosion resistance of AT-Ti-6Al–4V by applying cerium incorporated hydroxyapatite using a spin coater. The triple layer of Ce-HAP coatings was systematically accumulated using different speeds such as 2000, 3000 and 4000 RPM, which were sintered for 2 h at 500 °C. XRD and SEM-EDS characterize the developed Ce-HAP coatings to confirm the phase formation and surface morphology. The Colony Forming Unit confirms that Ce-HAP coatings exhibited significant inhibition efficiency towards the pathogens. In vitro bioactivity study evaluated in SBF indicates excellent apatite layer formation on Ce-HAP coatings. The cell viability studies using MG-63 cells showed good cell proliferation and attachments on a coated implant. The electrochemical properties of coatings were analysed by EIS and the result displayed pronounced anti-corrosion property. This study suggests that the cerium incorporated HAP promotes bioactivity with rapid osteointegration and presented higher corrosion resistance that makes it essential for the desired biomedical applications.

Keywords

• Ti–6Al–4V
• Ce-HAP coatings
• Antibacterial
• Bioactivity
• Cell adhesion
• Anti-corrosion