Biomimetic coatings enhance tribocorrosion behavior and cell responses of commercially pure titanium surfaces

Biofunctionalized surfaces for implants are currently receiving much attention in the health care sector. Our aims were ( 1) to create bioactive Ti-coatings doped with Ca, P, Si, and Ag produced by microarc oxidation ( MAO) to improve the surface properties of biomedical implants, ( 2) to investigate the TiO2 layer stability under wear and corrosion, and ( 3) to evaluate human mesenchymal stem cells ( hMSCs) responses cultured on the modified surfaces. Tribocorrosion and cell experiments were performed following the MAO treatment. Samples were divided as a function of different Ca/P concentrations and treatment duration. Higher Ca concentration produced larger porous and harder coatings compared to the untreated group ( p<0.001), due to the presence of rutile structure. Free potentials experiments showed lower drops ( 0.6 V) and higher coating lifetime during sliding for higher Ca concentration, whereas lower concentrations presented similar drops ( 0.8 V) compared to an untreated group wherein the drop occurred immediately after the sliding started. MAO-treated surfaces improved the matrix formation and osteogenic gene expression levels of hMSCs. Higher Ca/P ratios and the addition of Ag nanoparticles into the oxide layer presented better surface properties, tribocorrosive behavior, and cell responses. MAO is a promising technique to enhance the biological, chemical, and mechanical properties of dental implant surfaces. (C) 2016 American Vacuum Society.