Biological and corrosion evaluation of Laponite®: Poly(caprolactone) nanocomposite coating for biomedical applications

In this study, Laponite (R):poly(caprolactone)(PCL) nanocomposite coatings were developed on 316 L stainless steel via electrophoretic process to improve its biological and electrochemical characteristics. In this respect, different voltages (60 and 90 V) and weight ratios of Laponite (R):PCL (2:5, 1:1 and 5:2) were applied to develop nanocomposite coatings on 316 L stainless steel. Results illustrated that the electrophoretic deposition process with the applied voltage of 60 V resulted in the formation of defect and pore-free coatings. Moreover, the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of the nanocomposite coating consisting of Laponite (R):PCL with the weight ratio of 1:1 considerably improved, compared to the substrate and other nanocomposite coated samples. Moreover, Laponite (R):PCL with the weight ratio of 1:1 provided higher roughness and adhesion strength than other coatings. In addition, incorporation of Laponite (R) nanoparticles significantly promoted MG63 cell proliferation and spreading. In summary, our results confirmed that surface modification using Laponite (R):PCL nanocomposite coating could instantaneously promote electrochemical properties and biological properties of 316 L stainless steel which make it favorable for bone implants. mu