Hydroxyapatite crystals biologically inspired on titanium by using an organic template based on the copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid.

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite coating on metal implants is an effective method to enhance bioactive properties of the metal surface. We report here a method to coat the Ti-6Al-4V alloy with hydroxyapatite crystals. After alkaline/heat treatment, the spontaneous growth of organoapatite on titanium alloy surface involves sequential preadsorption of titanium isopropoxide (TIPO) and the copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid on the metal, followed by exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF). The organoapatite characterization of the coating was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The copolymer of acrylic acid and itaconic acid overlayer which is rich of carboxylate groups can lead to the deposition of needle-like and homogeneous HA on the surface after immersion in SBF.