Ionized Jet Deposition of Calcium Phosphates-Based Nanocoatings: Tuning Coating Properties and Cell Behavior by Target Composition and Substrate Heating

Calcium phosphate-based coatings are widely studied in orthopedics and dentistry for their similarity to the mineral component of bone and their capability to promote osseointegration. Different calcium phosphates have tunable properties that result in different behaviors in vitro, but the majority of studies focus only on hydroxyapatite. Here, different calcium phosphate-based nanostructured coatings are obtained by ionized jet deposition, starting with hydroxyapatite, brushite and beta-tricalcium phosphate targets. The properties of the coatings obtained from different precursors are systematically compared by assessing their composition, morphology, physical and mechanical properties, dissolution, and in vitro behavior. In addition, for the first time, depositions at high temperature are investigated for the further tuning of the coatings mechanical properties and stability. Results show that different phosphates can be deposited with good composition fidelity even if not in a crystalline phase. All coatings are nanostructured and non-cytotoxic and display variable surface roughness and wettability. Upon heating, higher adhesion and hydrophilicity are obtained as well as higher stability, resulting in better cell viability. Interestingly, different phosphates show very different in vitro behavior, with brushite being the most suitable for promoting cell viability and beta-tricalcium phosphate having a higher impact on cell morphology at the early timepoints.

Automated summary

Calcium phosphate-based coatings have been extensively studied in orthopedics and dentistry for their similar composition to bone minerals and their ability to promote osseointegration. This study compared different calcium phosphate-based nanostructured coatings obtained from hydroxyapatite, brushite, and beta-tricalcium phosphate precursors. The coatings were systematically evaluated for their composition, morphology, physical and mechanical properties, dissolution, and in vitro behavior. High-temperature depositions were also investigated to further modify the mechanical properties and stability of the coatings. The findings demonstrate that different phosphates can be deposited with good composition fidelity and that brushite exhibits the highest suitability for promoting cell viability.