Development of TiO2-HA Coatings by PEO on Titanium Scaffolds Fabricated by Direct Ink Writing

In this work, titanium scaffolds fabricated by direct ink writing with 50% porosity were surface treated by plasma electrolytic oxidation process. Three different coatings were fabricated using a phosphate-based electrolyte as a base solution (5 g/l Na3PO4 + 2 g/l KOH in water): first coating without nanoparticle addition to the base electrolyte, the second with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticle addition to the base electrolyte and the third one with silver-substituted hydroxyapatite (AgHA) nanoparticle addition to the base electrolyte. The coated scaffolds' surface morphology, phase composition, corrosion resistance, antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility were thoroughly examined and discussed. The porous titanium scaffold coated with the addition of nanoparticles exhibited better corrosion resistance than the uncoated scaffolds in the simulated body fluid solution. In general, both coated and uncoated scaffolds were cytocompatible, showing the viability and proliferation of fibroblast cells.

Automated summary

In this study, titanium scaffolds fabricated by direct ink writing with 50% porosity were surface treated by plasma electrolytic oxidation process. Three different coatings were fabricated using different nanoparticles. The coated scaffolds showed improved corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility compared to the uncoated scaffolds.